Remembering West View Park means remembering a bygone era. This park wasn’t just any park. It was an escape. It offered respite from Pittsburgh’s smoky factories.
West View Park opened in 1906. Imagine a place dedicated to fun. It quickly became a local favorite. At the time, Pittsburgh had seven amusement parks. West View Park and Kennywood were the only two that really thrived.
Early attractions were simple. Think picnics and boating. Dancing was especially popular. Danceland became a huge draw. My own family even has fond memories of West View Park. It hosted my grandfather’s ironworkers’ picnic until it closed in 1977.
Danceland tragically burned down in 1973. Faulty wiring was to blame. The dance hall was valued at $1 million. It was never rebuilt.
As West View Park grew, rides became central. The Dips roller coaster opened in 1911. Its thrilling swoop turned just feet from Perry Highway. The Dips remained the park’s most popular ride.
Another coaster named Racing Whippet opened later. One visitor recalled riding it all day. He and his cousin rode it for hours. They didn’t ride anything else.
West View Park also provided summer jobs. One former employee remembered drinking from the Fish Pond trough. She realized too late how many hands had been in the water.
Sadly, West View Park closed in 1977. Declining revenue and rising costs led to its demise. A shopping center and homes replaced it in 1981. The West View Park Shopping Center still stands today. It features a carousel horse. This serves as a reminder of the park’s legacy.
Even now, interest in West View Park remains strong. The West View Historical Society hopes to open a museum. It will preserve the park’s memory.
West View Park was more than just rides. Couples met at Danceland. Families held gatherings here. School picnics created lasting memories. Remembering West View Park keeps those memories alive. For those who never visited, it offers a glimpse into Pittsburgh’s past.
The park had many roller coasters. The Dips stood out. It thrilled riders for decades. The Racing Whippet offered a different kind of excitement. Kiddie rides were also available.
The park also featured other attractions. These included funhouses and dark rides. Katzenjammer Castle and Hilarity Hall were among them.
West View Park may be gone. Its importance will likely never be forgotten. It represents a special time. It provided joy and community to countless people. An auto repair shop now stands at the former site of the Dips’ dynamic turnaround.