Wonderland Amusement Park has been part of Amarillo’s landscape for nearly seventy years, serving as a local landmark for family fun, seasonal jobs, and community traditions. Recently, conversations about the park’s future have resurfaced as city officials, contractors, and the Parks and Recreation Board continue to explore a potential new lease agreement and a broader revitalization plan. While no decisions have been finalized, the latest updates help clarify where the process stands and what may come next.
During a recent meeting, the City of Amarillo’s Parks and Recreation Board received an update on the ongoing discussions. According to Parks and Recreation Department director Michael Kashuba, “We just wanted to give the park board just a brief update since we haven’t updated them on the project up to this point.” He emphasized that major decisions remain with the city council, noting, “Ultimately, that’s a council decision, that’s an agreement that council’s going to be looking at and so, we were just giving them an update that there was discussions.”
The discussions stem in part from an October city council meeting where contractors shared their findings on why Wonderland still matters to Amarillo. They highlighted the park’s role in generating local jobs, contributing tax revenue, and providing both youth employment opportunities and accessible recreation for families. Their goal, as presented, is to preserve Wonderland’s nostalgic atmosphere while making the types of updates needed to keep it appealing and operational in the long term.
Key strategic pillars outlined by contractors include improving the park’s aesthetics, enhancing the guest experience, and updating food and beverage offerings. These areas represent common targets when revitalizing long-standing attractions, aiming to balance the historical character of the venue with modern expectations.
However, progress on these discussions has been gradual. Contractors have delayed further presentations, indicating that more information is needed before meaningful decisions can move forward. Tiffany Podzemny, chair of the Parks and Recreation Board, explained the situation by saying, “They kind of pushed it back again because they just don’t have enough details that they can talk to us about yet,” adding that more information is expected once council-level conversations continue. “So, but I guess they’re going to bring it to us again with more details because I guess in the executive board they talked to council about certain things and then they’ll bring it back to us.”
Alongside operational improvements, contractors have also emphasized the need for partnership and cooperation from the city in its role as landlord. A central request is for a long-term lease structure that would allow ongoing reinvestment into the park and support stable growth. The idea is that both the city and the operators would benefit from a sustainable, thriving attraction that continues to serve the community for decades to come.
For now, the lease agreement update is not scheduled for discussion at the next city council meeting. As city officials, contractors, and board members continue sorting through details, the future of Wonderland remains a topic of interest—reflecting both its long history in Amarillo and the community’s desire to see it remain a regional staple.
