Riverview Park

USA / New Jersey / Pennsville /
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90 N. Broadway
Pennsville, NJ 08070

Once the site of an amusement park; also known as "Riverview Beach Park".

It was started as a picnic grove in the late 1800's. There was a large pavillion, and concerts and outdoor festivals were held here.
Enlarged in 1891, improvement included a merry-go-round, swings, picnic tables, a dance hall and movies.
In 1922, a land purchase enabled the park to add a water slide, sliding boards, an airplance ride and a nice ferris wheel.
There was much excitement in 1936 when an olympic sized swimming pool was installed on the grounds. The pool held over 500,000 gallons of water!
The local Ferry service from Wilmington, Philadelphia and Pennsgrove used to bring people from all over to the park in the summer.
At different points in time, two Roller Coasters were built. There was also a minature train that would take people for rides around the grounds. A beautiful Carousel Horse ride was also part of the attraction. Roller skating was held at the pavillion.
Sally Star, a local and later a national celebrity, and her horse Pal also performed at the park for a short time.

In 1961, the Wilson Line halted ferry service. The only access was by car, bus or trolley service. In 1966 a fire destroyed the Roller Coaster.

In 1967 the park was sold and all rides were dismantled. The Archway to the main entrance still stands, the lone reminder of what once was.

The park is now a large picnic park with ballfields, a fitness walk that circles the park, and a lake. Every September, the local residents have a fine event called the Septemberfest with bands, games, amusements and food. The night is capped off with a large fireworks display that should not be missed.

There is much more that made up the history and attraction to the park. I am sure I missed more than alot.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   39°39'31"N   75°31'13"W

Comments

  • See also: Amusement Park Nostalgia, Riverview Beach Park. amusementparknostalgia.com/indri.html
  • Is this the place where there is a ham radio clubhouse?
  • I grew up watching Sally Starr and now a friend of my fathers has the train that was from this park,its good that part of your childhood was preserved they tore down adventure village in Eggharbor Township so its nice something remains.
  • I was born in Penns Grove, NJ lived in Carney's Point and my Father worked at DuPont. I remember some really good times at River View Beach Park, wouldn't go on the coaster unless my Dad was with me. The favorites of mine were the Donkey ride and the Carousel. The fireworks were wonderful. We used to sit in a box my Dad made for the top of the car and watch the fireworks. I was so sorry to see it all go. But the memories with last forever.
This article was last modified 16 years ago