Final Zippin Pippin photos

I said the last time I went to Libertyland that I would not return. I seemed to be at peace with the park’s demise and was ready to move past the troubling time. However the recent news of the Zippin Pippin brought me back to what was Libertyland. The following photos show what little is left.

It’s hard to imagine that an amusement park once stood here.

A piece of a red building and Zippin Pippin’s structure can be seen in the distance.

Once again, looking at what is left through a chain link fence.

I’m not sure what’s left for them to keep trespassers from.

At first one might not realize anything wrong with this photo. However, a closer look gives an onlooker a much sadder picture.

The turnaround now sits dormant, awaiting the decision from a possible buyer.

Now I’m no expert, but it doesn’t seem as if this dismantling process was done with “care”.

Granted, this wood would have to be replaced regardless, but it’s still depressing to see this historical ride in such a dismal state.

These splintered beams were once supporting the nation’s second-oldest roller coaster.

I hope if the Zippin Pippin cannot find another home, that pieces of the ride will be given away. It would be the least the city could do.

It’s a true shame that this is what it has come to.

My first ride on the Zippin Pippin sparked my interests in roller coasters. I remember very little about it, other than a few of the drops… seeing the person’s head in front of me the entire ride… almost hitting that tree next to the first drop. I remember later being too afraid to ride the coaster… riding the coaster with some of my best friends… and then standing beside new friends in order to try to save it.

Zippin Pippin, a piece of not only Memphis history, but American history, has certainly left it’s mark on those who were fortunate enough to experience it.

RIP ZP.

John Stevenson