Playland Park, Former amusement park in South Bend, Indiana.
Playland Park was an amusement park situated next to the St. Joseph River with a roller coaster, casino, exhibition hall, and baseball field. The location combined multiple types of entertainment and sporting activities in one venue.
The park began as Springbrook Park in 1880 and was renamed Playland Park in 1924 when Pete Redden took over management. This transition marked its shift into a modern entertainment destination.
The dance hall drew thousands of visitors on weekends for performances by renowned musicians like Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway. It served as a major gathering spot for music and social life in the area.
The former grounds have been converted into student housing for Indiana University South Bend, leaving only concrete structures visible. Visitors can explore the site to locate remnants of the park's former attractions.
A NASCAR race was held on the park's track on July 20, 1952, with Tim Flock winning and Lee Petty finishing second. This motorsport event was a rare sporting moment in the park's history.
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