Moxahala Park Back up and Running

After being closed for 37 years, rides are now running, funnel cakes are being made, and folks young and old are once again having fun at Moxahala Park.

The park, purchased by the Nolan family back in 1941, enjoyed several years of success with 22 rides, a pool, and several games before closing its doors in 1978. The Nolan brothers continued traveling the east coast with their carnival units up until 2006, but Tim Nolan had always hoped to be able to get Moxahala Park back up and running. Tim passed away earlier this year, but his sister-in-law Amy Nolan says the family wanted to make his dream come true.

“We are just trying to fulfill that dream of his and honor his memory,” she said. “Everything we’re doing here is in the hopes that we can reopen it permanently. That remains to be seen.”

The park opened back up on October 15th and will remain open for the season through November 1st. It currently features several smaller rides along with a variety of skill games and prize-every-time games. Of course, there are also food options including carnival classics like cotton candy and funnel cakes.

“The older folks have really great memories of this place,” Nolan said. “You know, we’re kind of geared more toward the smaller children. We do have a couple of adult rides. Like I said, this is a start. We hope to grow it, get bigger things, do bigger things, have bands, have dances, have car races and motorcycle races. We’ve got a track here. You know, there’s so much potential here, and we want to do something for Zanesville.”

The park’s hours are from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Arm bands can be purchased for 10 dollars, or you can also purchase individual tickets. For more information on the park, which is located near Maysville High School, you can like them on Facebook at Moxahala Park, L.L.C.