Pleasureland (1912-2006)
The first Pleasureland had been operating since 1912, but was closed suddenly on 5 September 2006, as the previous owner said it was unsustainable. It was Blackpool Pleasure Beach's sister amusement park. Due to lack of return on investments, it was not seen as viable to be kept operating. This end result was speculated to have been due at least in part to an introduced entrance fee which proved unpopular and resulted in a serious downturn in the number of visitors.
The park included several historical rides such as the Cyclone wooden rollercoaster, which was demolished just two weeks after the park closed. One of the park's unique features was its Funhouse with traditional funhouse attractions such as the Wheel and the Social Mixer. The Funhouse continued to operate for several months until its closure on March 31, 2007. Soon after, the funhouse was gutted and parts taken to Blackpool, as it is rumored a possible heritage fairground museum is planned for the future at Blackpool.
Not much is known about the fate of many of the classic rides at Pleasureland, although some have been bought and put into storage for a prospective Dreamland revival project in Margate. On 14 September 2006, pictures were released onto the Internet of people dismantling the Cyclone, much to the dismay of local residents, Pleasureland fans, and coaster enthusiasts.
On 18 September 2006, two protesters climbed to the top of the Cyclone in an attempt to save it. The protest lasted for three hours, after which the protesters came down over police concerns regarding the distraction they posed causing to passing motorists. There was a petition co-ordinated by a group of coaster enthusiasts to try and save the ride, but this effort also failed. The Cyclone was demolished on 20 November 2006.
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