Knoebel’s is an old family-owned and family-run amusement park in Pennsylvania.  It is not abandoned - it is still in operation today.  But it couldn't be further, in distance or atmosphere, from the big company parks of today.  It is set in a rural location, far from any major metropolitan area.  It sits among rolling hills and fields and underneath tall mature trees.  A creek runs through the middle of the park with rickety bridges going across in several locations.  There is no fence keeping everyone out since you can pay per ride - the way it was done thirty years ago.  I spent several days over the course of a couple years photographing during the off season.  And while the rides look old, there is definitely pride in the park and the work they do each off season to get it ready for the families in the summer.

A selection of images from this portfolio was published in LensWork Magazine (LensWork #112, May/June 2014).  See related Blog Entry.

Amusement Park Gallery One

Finally, after more than forty years, I was on the “other side of the ropes”. I remember going to amusement parks as a child… I loved them. And while I waited in line, I thought of how lucky the workers were on the other side of the ropes… controlling the rides… controlling the fun! What would it be like to wander around, anywhere you wanted, rather than being held captive by the gates, fences, chains, and ropes? These images capture some of my wandering those winter days.

Amusement Park Gallery Two

When you think of amusement parks, you think of summer… of bright colors… lots of people… and never-ending movement. When I set out to make these images, I wanted to explore and see what a park looked like from the opposite perspective. I chose winter. The project dictated back & white. And there is a sense of quiet, loneliness, and rest that emerged from the images. I really enjoyed this small trip back to a childhood fascination with amusement parks.