New Orleans is the city that care forgot. Having been to the park, after Six Flags bought it, as well as being from the region and old enough to remember Ponchatrain Beach amusement park and the rides they had there (many were installed at Jazzland in one name or another). True research would have shown that there were efforts to bring amusement parks to other areas in the region: Biloxi Beach, Madison County, Mississippi, and Jazzland.
New Orleans loves its nostalgia and that's why they wanted a park. They wanted to remember better times when the park was on the lake. Hence the dream and vision for Jazzland. As an observer, I knew it was going to fail. It was not a shock that they zeroed out so soon. As such, 6 Flags got a bargain.
One evening, I got a call from them asking me to buy season tickets for the family. I guess they had my number from visits in other parks. I declined, but took the family there that season (2003). The rides were 'okay'. The water used was dirty swamp water. So when you see the kiddos on the walkover waiting to get splashed, it was with dirty swamp water, no cleaned filtered water. To me, it was a reason never to go back.
The swing (the one the paralyzed woman rode), was not included in the park entrance fee. You paid extra to do it. Another reason not to go. The region is too poor to afford things like this. That's why 6 Flags bailed. They cut their losses. Between dealing with unbearably hot weather, poor patrons looking to save every nickel they could, and the corrupt governments of NOLA and the state, it was destiny.
This film did not cover these topics. As such, it's okay. But I give it a higher score than it deserves.
Would have loved to have seen the 2020 versions of some of the kids in the home videos.
New Orleans loves its nostalgia and that's why they wanted a park. They wanted to remember better times when the park was on the lake. Hence the dream and vision for Jazzland. As an observer, I knew it was going to fail. It was not a shock that they zeroed out so soon. As such, 6 Flags got a bargain.
One evening, I got a call from them asking me to buy season tickets for the family. I guess they had my number from visits in other parks. I declined, but took the family there that season (2003). The rides were 'okay'. The water used was dirty swamp water. So when you see the kiddos on the walkover waiting to get splashed, it was with dirty swamp water, no cleaned filtered water. To me, it was a reason never to go back.
The swing (the one the paralyzed woman rode), was not included in the park entrance fee. You paid extra to do it. Another reason not to go. The region is too poor to afford things like this. That's why 6 Flags bailed. They cut their losses. Between dealing with unbearably hot weather, poor patrons looking to save every nickel they could, and the corrupt governments of NOLA and the state, it was destiny.
This film did not cover these topics. As such, it's okay. But I give it a higher score than it deserves.
Would have loved to have seen the 2020 versions of some of the kids in the home videos.