Playland-Not-at-the-Beach, May 2010 update

Playland-Not-at-the-Beach Celebrates Its Second Anniversary

Playland-Not-at-the-Beach opened its doors in May 2008 and is about to celebrate its second anniversary. “Spring 2010 has been especially busy at Playland-Not-at-the-Beach as we prepare for our anniversary event. We have been breaking records all year long,” explains Richard Tuck, the Master of Fun at Playland. “We just passed the 2500 mark for guests at private parties since January 1st. On top of that we were also able to provide over 560 free passes to Disneyland for volunteers who helped out in our nonprofit for the first three months of the year.

But the biggest success of 2010 is the documentary film “Remembering Playland” which is now held over for a second month at the Balboa Theater in San Francisco. “This new documentary was supposed to play for just one night, but it kept getting held over again and again with every performance totally sold out. Generations of people who remember Whitney’s Playland at the Beach have shown up to see the film, and they then return with their families to see it again and again. Most of the new footage was filmed here at Playland-Not-at-the-Beach.”

The DVD version of “Remembering Playland” has additional footage and is available in the souvenir shop at Playland-Not-at-the-Beach for $20 plus tax or by mail order for $25 including tax, postage and handling. Each purchase comes with an authentic artifact from Whitney’s Playland. To order call (510) 232-4264 ext. 24.

The next big project at Playland-Not-at-the-Beach is a brand new attraction called Roller Coaster Rampage. “We are breaking ground soon,” Tom Wyrsch, the Chief Designer explains. “Being volunteer run and operated, Playland is now appealing to volunteers who want to be involved with making some of the design choices. “This attraction comes about through the generosity of ACE members Nancy Redden and Mike Chew. When we open later this summer, guests will be shocked at the surprises in store for them.” To volunteer, contact Kendra Zien at (510) 232-4264 ext. 30 or email kendra@playland-not-at-the-beach.org.

How about treating your mom to a visit to Playland-Not-at-the-Beach this Mother’s Day weekend? She gets in for half price on Saturday and Sunday with a paid regular admission.

Playland-Not-at-the-Beach nonprofit Museum of Fun, open to the public every Sat, Sun and school holiday. Open evenings for private events 365 days a year. 10979 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530 (510) 592-3002. http://www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org . Admission $10 for kids (to 13), $10 for seniors (55 and up), and $15 for general admission. Admission includes 34 free pinball machines, penny arcades, carnival games, treasure hunts, miniature dioramas, and surprises around every corner. ACE members receive a $5.00 discount on admission upon presentation of their ACE membership cards.

— Thanks go to Richard Tuck for contributing to this article.

— photo: Steven Wilson