How Has Worlds of Fun Changed Over the Years? Explore the KC Theme Park's History

The early 1970s was an exciting time for destination development in Kansas City. The Harry S. Truman Sports Complex, a new international airport, and Crown Center all had opened recently. That period also marked the founding of the city’s quintessential summertime attraction — Worlds of Fun. 

The idea for the theme park originated with Kansas City Chiefs General Manager Jack Steadman after a family trip to Disneyland. Inspired by the experience, he shared the concept of building a similar amusement park in Kansas City with the team’s owner, Lamar Hunt, who approved. They selected a site in Clay County.

Read the rest of the story at KCHistory.org. Plus, access The Kansas City Star articles, both past and present, on the Library website with a Library card.