Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park is extending its 100-year celebration with a private ceremony scheduled for June 17. The event will feature remarks from park leadership, local officials, and representatives from key industry organizations, including the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) and the National Amusement Park Historical Association.
Speakers confirmed for the ceremony include Tennyson Dickinson, Director of Lake Winnepesaukah; Mike Costello, contributor to Funworld Magazine and IAAPA; Jim Futrell, historian from the National Amusement Park Historical Association; Steven Henry, Chairman of the Catoosa County Commission; Katie Harbison, President and CEO of the Chambliss Center for Children; and former Georgia State Senator Jeff Mullis, who will present a proclamation on behalf of Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones. An official proclamation from the State of Georgia will also be unveiled. The ceremony will commence at 10:00 a.m.
Earlier, on June 1, the park commemorated its centennial anniversary, drawing visitors for a nostalgic celebration. Founded in 1925, Lake Winnepesaukah has been a cherished destination for families across the southeastern United States for a century. It remains a testament to the vision and dedication of one family, passed down through generations.
Tennyson Dickinson, the park’s current director and a descendant of the founding family, emphasized the personal connection to the park. “It’s my great grandparents, then my grandparents, my mother and father, and my aunt who really helped build this park. It’s just a part of who I am and our family,” she said.
Over the decades, the park has evolved, expanding classic rides and adding a water park in 2013, all while preserving its historic charm. Elements of its rich heritage are still visible throughout the park, underscoring its role as a community cornerstone.
The park’s significance extends beyond entertainment, fostering a sense of community and continuity. Dickinson recounted heartfelt moments from visitors, many expressing their preference for Lake Winnie over larger, more commercial amusement destinations. “Families tell us, ‘We just went to Disney, and my son said he’d rather be at Lake Winnie,’” she shared. “It’s moving to hear multiple generations recount their special memories here.”
In honoring its century-long legacy, Lake Winnepesaukah has launched a photo mosaic featuring 7,500 images submitted by visitors spanning decades. This tribute captures the spirit of fun, dedication, and family commitment that has sustained the park.
Dickinson reflected on the enduring legacy: “The fun, the smiles, and the hard work that have built and maintained this park over the past 100 years create a remarkable heritage. Celebrating this milestone is as much about looking forward as it is about honoring the past.”
