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Why did the Palisades Amusement Park in Cliffside Park, N.J. attract so many tourists?

Written by Christina L.

Imagine yourself seeing advertisements for an amusement park that claimed to have the largest salt water pool, thrilling coasters, tons of rides, a hit theme song, famous french fries and you would be able to get there in just a short distance from home. Well that place was called the Palisades Amusement Park. It was there that people of all ages could have fun and feel as though they were on a mini vacation. Palisades Amusement Park was one of a kind!

Just like in any business, if you want to make money it's all about the location. Palisades Park had the location. Palisades Amusement Park was located on 38 acres of land that bordered Cliffside Park and Fort Lee , New Jersey . It was a wonderful place that overlooked the Hudson River with the buildings and skyscrapers of New York City As its backdrop. This made the park easy to get to for the millions of tourists and servicemen by ferry boat or car ride across the river. Summer after summer the park's radio and television commercials made people want to “come on over”.

Palisades Park advertised in national publications not just local ones. Their ads appeared in DC comics and Harvey comics so kids all over the United States as well as overseas saw the ads for the amusement park. The advertisements claimed that there were more than 200 rides at the park but really there were only fifty. They bragged about their famous french fries and the fact that they held the title for having the largest salt water pool. Now who wouldn't want to go to a park like that?

Palisades Amusement Park was known as the world’s greatest amusement park. It had roller coasters like the Wildcat, Jetstar, the famous Cyclone, Skyrocket, and rides such as the Lake Placid bob sled, Skyride, the Strato ship, Figure 8 toboggan, the giant Ferris wheel and the Showboat funhouse to name a few. For those who were not up to the thrill rides, they could go and get wet in the pool or eat the park’s famous french fries. The fries were smothered in vinegar and can only be described in two words, F-A-M-O-U-S and G-O-O-D. The park also held contests such as the Little Miss America, Miss Palisades and even Mrs. America.

Palisades Amusement Park was a one of a kind park that everyone at any age could enjoy and have fun. Many families went there to relax and have fun for the day. “It was like having a vacation without really leaving home”. Unfortunately the park closed its gates on September 12th, 1971 to make room for condominiums. The great park that towered above the Hudson and New York City may be gone, but it shall live on in the hearts and memories of those who once visited there.

This story was written by 11-year old, Christina L., who wrote this report for a school project. It's poignant, well-written, and deserves high-praise. Thank you to Christina and her parents for allowing us to share it with you.

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