Hutch Post, in partnership with Steve Harmon and the Conard-Harmon Collection, is proud to present Throwback Thursday. Enjoy a weekly release from Steve Harmon as he presents the "Hutch - Then & Now Collection."
STEVE HARMON
Hutch Post Contributor
Today's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the 4200 block of West Fourth Avenue, both north and south sides of Mohawk Road.
Fun Valley recreational area was the brainchild of Larry Brown of L&B Oil from the Nickerson area. Fun Valley was developed into a four-diamond softball complex that featured camping, boating, fishing, swimming, a four- chute waterslide, a go-cart track and, eventually, an impressive corporate office complex.
Mohawk Speedway, which originally opened in June of 1955 as a half-mile racetrack, was renamed Fun Valley Speedway. The softball complex opened in 1980. The first photo shows the softball complex at opening.
On Feb. 15, 1980, Brown was issued a building permit to build a waterslide at 4200 W. 4th for $175,000. It opened March 26, 1981. The second and third photos show the waterslide in 1982.
Fun Valley even had some private investors. In 1980, the racetrack held a promotional concert with nationally-known singer and comedian Jim Stafford.
In 1982, Larry Brown ran into some money problems.
In May of 1983, the city bought the softball complex, campground and waterslide. Maintenance problems and other costs caused the closing of the waterslide after 1984. The fourth photo shows the remnants of the waterslide today at 4200 W. 4th, hardly visible any more with the overgrowth of trees around it.
To purchase a print, contact: [email protected].
Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:
Gambino's Pizza
Sleep Shoppe & Furniture Gallery
Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce
STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum
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