MELROSE PARK, Ill. (CBS) – The iconic Kiddieland Amusement Park in the near west suburbs is closing down after entertaining Chicago area children for over 80 years.

The owners of the amusement park, at 8400 W. North Ave. in Melrose Park, announced on Wednesday morning that the park is shutting down after this season, the park’s 81st.

Rumors of the demise of Kiddieland have been circulating for a decade, but only now did the park owners and the managers of the trust that owns the land decide it was time to call it quits. They are all members of the same family, and their squabbles are well-known.

Kiddieland dates from 1929, when founder Arthur Fritz set up six ponies and offered rides to children as the country began to struggle with the Great Depression. By 1940, Kiddieland had expanded to include a carousel, two miniature steam locomotives, a “Little Auto” ride, the Roto Whip and a Ferris wheel – the last two of which are still in operation.

It became a destination point for generations of Chicago children.

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