HJ0116 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0116 LRB100 21199 MST 37312 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Kiddieland Amusement Park began in 1929 when Arthur Fritz purchased six ponies and offered rides as an escape for parents reeling from the Great Depression; and

WHEREAS, In 1940, the German Carousel, the Little Auto Ride, the Roto Whip, and the Ferris Wheel were added; the Roto Whip and the Ferris Wheel would last until the park's closing; the park saw its first major expansion in the 1950s with the addition of the Little Dipper and the Carousel, both of which lasted until the park's closing; bumper cars were added in the 1960s, replacing the original pony ride; and

WHEREAS, The park transferred ownership in 1977 to Arthur Fritz's grandchildren; the park continued its expansion and installed several major attractions, including a log flume, a swinging pirate ship, a 40-foot long water coaster, and numerous other attractions; and

WHEREAS, Kiddieland closed down on September 27, 2009 and was demolished in 2010; and

WHEREAS, Kiddieland provided amusement to those in the Melrose Park area for 81 years; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we designate First Avenue in Melrose Park as it travels from its intersection with North Avenue to its intersection with River Road as "Kiddieland Amusement Park Road"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Illinois Department of Transportation is requested to erect at suitable locations, consistent with State and federal regulations, appropriate plaques or signs giving notice of the name of "Kiddieland Amusement Park Road"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the family of Arthur Fritz, the Mayor of Melrose Park, and the Secretary of Transportation.