The Playland Story

Playland first opened its gates in 1955 as a place for Valley kids of all ages to enjoy the rides and have fun. During its debut year alone, Playland entertained more than 250,000 visitors. It was a place where guests could enjoy rides and concessions and take part in their community. From roller coasters and wonder wheels to paddle boats and race cars, generations of Valley residents and guests relished all the park had to offer for the next several decades.

When neighboring Storyland received so much enthusiastic support towards a renewal project, Playland became the next project. After being closed for a little more than a year, a concerted effort from Leadership Fresno, Lithia Motors, the Daniel R. Martin Foundation and many dedicated volunteers and community donors led to Playland’s revitalization and reopening in May of 2016.

Today, Playland provides affordable family fun for the current generation of kids – big and small. We hope to ensure Storyland and Playland are places where learning, laughter and lightheartedness are always in the air well into the future.