Kiddieland SAVE the TRAIN Project:
Mission: To continue the 66 year legacy of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Merced’s founders of providing a safe, fun, and affordable Kiddieland amusement park for the community’s children.
Grant Purpose: To replace the 50+ year old Kiddieland Express train and to replace the existing asphalt train tracks with a high traction concrete train path increasing safety standards, moving to a clean emission train which will provide ADA accessibility.
Budget Use: The Club has secured a project consultant to work directly with our new train vendor, local contractors, and the City of Merced. Over one year of research and planning has been completed in addition to contracting with a 3rd party consultant that completed an extensive inspection issuing a report with recommendations regarding our current train/tracks.
To fund our project consulant, to purchase the Wattman USA Maxi Train and to remove the exisiting train tracks to be replaced with a 6′ high traction concrete train path rounning the perimeter of Applegate Park in the City of Merced.
Kiddieland History & Current Day:
Kiwanis Club of Greater Merced’s Kiddieland was started locally by our founding Kiwanis members in 1957 with the intention of providing a safe and friendly environment for the community’s children to enjoy an amusement park at an affordable price. In July 2023, our Kiddieland will be celebrating 66 years of service to the children of Merced County. Kiddieland is located in the City of Merced’s Applegate Park. The City graciously granted the Club land usage in 1957 with the intent of building and maintaining Kiddieland. We have served thousands of children over the years. Our hope is to continue operating and maintaining Kiddieland with support from our community partners and sponsors. The Kiwanis Club of Greater Merced (the Club) established the Kiwanis Club of Greater Merced Foundation (the Foundation) in 2015. The Foundation is funded mainly through Kiddieland revenues plus nominal grants and sponsorship donations. The Foundation is committed and responsible for the continued success of Kiddieland. Most recently the Club has been committed to obtaining larger grants to ensure the iconic train can continue serving our community at Kiddieland.
Today, Kiddieland has 6 rides and a snack shack. The flagship of Kiddieland is our iconic Kiddieland Express Train that provides rides around the perimeter of Applegate Park. Other rides include a Roller Coaster, Merry-Go-Round Carousel, Helicopter ride, Rocket Ship ride, and Car ride. Kiwanis Kiddieland is open Saturdays and Sundays 10 am – 2 pm from roughly the 1st weekend in March through October each year.
Each year we start our season in March with a Fun Run Race to the Kiddieland Train. We just concluded our 31st annual Easter Egg Hunt at Applegate Park where 4,000 eggs and stuffed bunnies disappear in the blink of an eye. Our annual Fright Night, which last year served approximately 700 kids and parents, is a safe fun alternative for families. We host a Free Community Kids Night, All Dads Matter, National Night Out and contribute to many other youth-sponsored programs throughout Merced. Your substantial involvement and/or sponsorship with this project would be of great benefit to our community.
Kiddieland meets safety standards and complies with the Department of Industrial Relations and the Merced County Environmental Health. Prior to our operating season the state inspectors certified each ride with a vigorous inspection process. Each year, as standards are changing, we must provide the mandated repairs/improvements to obtain our operating certification. These inspections are costly and must be completed prior to opening.
Our passion and commitment to our community is focused on serving the children of Merced by providing joyful moments at Kiddieland. Thank you for your consideration!