***Be sure to check out the brief history video on YouTube below!****
Hello and welcome to DinkLife! Today, we want to take you on a trip down memory lane to a place that was once a hub of family fun and adventure in Akron—Fallon’s Playland Amusement Park. Three years before Disneyland captivated audiences with its charm, Akron had its own clean, safe, and family-friendly amusement park that captured the hearts of the Rubber Capital.
Fallon’s Playland, originally known as Fallon’s Kiddieland, was located at 2135 Massillon Rd, a spot that’s now home to a private RV storage lot. The park opened its doors in 1952, founded by Gid L. Fallon and his wife Maggie. Gid, born in Texas in 1897, was inspired by his father’s love for circuses and his older brother Larry’s success in the amusement industry. Larry had established a reputation by running games and concessions at carnivals and fairs, eventually making Akron his home base. While the timeline of Gid’s move to Akron isn’t clear, his involvement in the amusement business was evident when he opened Fallon’s Kiddieland, which offered free admission and parking.
The park started modestly with just a few kiddie rides and a pony, but it quickly grew in popularity. By the mid-1950s, Fallon’s Kiddieland had expanded to include nine kiddie rides and six adult rides, offering something for everyone. After the closure of Summit Beach in 1958, Fallon’s Playland became the go-to spot for Akron families seeking kid-friendly entertainment. The park continued to evolve, and by 1977, it boasted an impressive 34 rides, including a roller coaster, a sky ride, and a monorail. Gid ran the park with passion until 1971, when he sold it to Robert and Sue Moegerle, who rebranded it as Playland Park.
Though Fallon’s Playland is now a distant memory, the impact it had on those who visited remains strong. The park’s final years were marked by natural disasters and ownership changes, but the memories of riding the kiddie rides, playing mini-golf, and enjoying family skate nights on Thursdays are still cherished by those who experienced its magic. Today, the site has been largely overtaken by nature, with only the old skating rink standing as a silent reminder of the laughter and joy that once filled the air.
Map Recreation:
A brief video into the park’s history:
-Publication dates of Beacon Journal articles are noted on each slide.
-Playland videos are credited to Dana Rukse.
-Photos sourced from the Fallon’s Kiddieland/Playland Facebook Memories Group.
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