Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park marked a historic milestone Tuesday as community and industry leaders joined family, friends and longtime partners to celebrate the park’s 100th anniversary.
Tennyson Dickinson, park director of Lake Winnepesaukah and great-granddaughter of founders Carl and Minette Dixon, reflected on the park’s legacy.
“This celebration belongs to my whole family; I only wish they could all be here to see us reach this milestone. I want to thank everyone who has ever walked through the gates, and every happy child who loved the park and decades later brought their children to enjoy it. That legacy has made Lake Winnie a success and helped us reach 100 years,” Ms. Dickinson said.
Representatives from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) and the National Amusement Park Historical Association (NAPHA) spoke at the event.
“Lake Winnie is a shining example of what makes the global attractions industry special—it’s a beloved place that creates joy for families and their community,” said Michael Costello, managing editor of IAAPA’s Funworld Magazine. “This park reaches its 100-year milestone with heart, purpose and passion.”
Jim Futrell, historian and director for the NAPHA, added, “One very special feature of this park is the Boat Chute, built in 1927, as it is the only remaining operational mill chute ride in the United States. There are very few amusement parks that get to celebrate their centennial, fewer still that are owned by four generations of the same family, and as far as I know, none that were led primarily by women over such a long history. This speaks to the park’s unique ability to honor its past while embracing the present.”
Marcie Kicklighter, regional tourism manager for Georgia’s Department of Economic Development, highlighted the impact Lake Winnie has had over the years, attracting thousands of visitors to the region.
"For 100 years, Lake Winnie has set the standard for hospitality in Georgia, welcoming families and creating memories for generations. Today we celebrate Lake Winnie's indelible mark on and incredible contributions to Georgia's tourism industry, and we are thrilled to be here celebrating a century of family traditions, heartfelt hospitality and endless joy," Ms. Kicklighter said.
Local officials and nonprofit partners also offered tributes. Catoosa County Commission Chairman Steven Henry praised the park as a cornerstone of the local economy and a respected part of the regional identity.
“It has created jobs, hosted generations of families and become a treasured landmark. If you grew up in Catoosa County, a family outing to Lake Winnie was a must-have summer experience.”
Lake Winnepesaukah has supported Chambliss Center for Children for the past 75 years.
“Lake Winnie has provided something for the children we serve to look forward to all year long,” said Chambliss Center for Children President and CEO Katie Harbison. “They have been an amazing partner to our organization and we’re so grateful for its incredible impact on all the kids we serve.”
As part of the celebration, former state senator Jeff Mullis presented Lake Winnie with two proclamations from the state of Georgia, one signed by Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and a second signed by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. Both recognized the park’s 100-year anniversary, community support and long history of family ownership.