Playland is a small amusement park located outside of the zoo entrance or in Roeding Park. Playland first opened in 1955, seven years after Fresno’s playland opened its gates Storyland opened its gates as well. Storyland reopened in 2015 and was given to the community, Playland became the next revitalization project. During its debut year in 1955, Playland entertained over 250,000 visitors. Once again with the help of Lithia Motors, the Daniel R. Martin Foundation, and many dedicated volunteers and community donors, Playland reopened in May 2016. 

There have been recent spreads about Playland officially closing on January 14, 2024, Fresno’s Playland was in jeopardy of closing this week. The Playland management met with board members from Storyland Fresno to create a plan that would keep the park open, The plan calls for lowering ticket prices and admission and expanding park hours in the hope of boosting attendance. 

The owner of Playland stated, “I want to clarify and directly respond to the accusation that closing down was a marketing strategy, emphatically, no it was not.” A Storyland board member reiterated that the closing announcement was not a marketing gimmick. Starting January 18, the park will be expanding its hours of operation. For now, Fresno’s Playland is set to stay open until at least the end of June.