WHY WE DECIDED TO DO THIS...

I had not visited the island for several years after the park closed when my brother, Steve and I decided to walk the land together. It was very melancholic for me and the feelings of a long lost friend were so very strong and depressing I vowed not to return. Then while living on the west coast a small group of people contacted me and wanted to hear the stories and history of Riverview. I was flattered and also unknowingly thankful because I then realized the memories were fading and eventually would cease to exist.

After learning from my brother that some activity was afoot on the internet, we decided to contribute to the efforts to keep the memories from dying by adding our best recollections to the web and assist in not letting Riverview Park in Des Moines be forgotten.

While this site was in its infancy I knew I had to go back again to walk the ground that once was Riverview. So I personally made a trip back to Des Moines to visit the island that was home to Riverview Park and a part of my family's life for three generations.

There I met with some wonderful people that were also actively involved in preserving the heritage of the park historically and nostalgically. Following are pictures of the visit taken and shared graciously by Christine Stark. The comments in white text are excerpts from our Riverview Guestbook.

Thank you for visiting...Bill Kooker

The present day entrance with a new pedestrian bridge

I remember warm balmy nights on the rides, the laughter and screams of fellow revelers, the old friends I haven't seen for a number of years.

The Junior Hot Rod Track

Looking south. The Scrambler would have been right in front of me.

I am sure that the property still has not recovered from the 'souls' that loved Riverview-self included! It really should be designated as a 'sacred spot!'

Behind the Coaster

A much simpler time of joy and youth.You could always hear the riders loud screams of fun and excitement as the coaster made its breath taking deep plunges.

So many memories....

Riverview will always have a place in my heart...thanks for sharing the photos. Who would have thought "back then" that one day it would be no more...???

The Wild Mouse sat here. The concrete is actually an old track for gasoline sports cars that the Wild Mouse replaced.

The channel for the Shoot the Chutes. This part was covered and was the tunnel of love part.

Some foundations remain on the island; the concrete Chutes, the pads for the Mouse and the Cars, the flagpole stand. I encourage everyone who can to cross that bridge, walk around and feel the haunts of what is left before it's all gone.

More of the chutes water channel.

On the road, to the left was the Himalaya, to the right the Wild Mouse

View a short clip below titled "Farewell, My Friend:

Click on the PLAY BUTTON (

) on the Media Player and allow a few seconds to load. Click PLAY BUTTON a second time if necessary. -- Special thanks to Mark Heggen of The Riverview Pavilion Sitefor the "closed gate" scene.

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