An iconic park in the Chicago area is closing its door. Kiddleland, located in Melrose Park, has confirmed that it’s closing at the end of the 2009 season. The park, which opened in 1929 by Arthur Fritz, was experiencing economic difficulty before closure.

The reason for the closure is due to a lease not being extended. Tom Norini stated that the owners, Shirley and Glenn Rynes, decided not to extend the lease between a long lasting feud between them and Norini’s wife, Cathy, and Cathy’s brother Glenn Rynes Jr. In 2004, Shirley and Glen Rynes filed a suit to have the park removed due to insurance, but the court ruled in favor of the park. Shirley and Glenn Rynes have been said to have a construction project planned for the site.

Among the rides to be lost include Little Dipper, a rare wooden junior coaster made by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. The ride is 28 feet tall and 700 feet long. An Ace Coaster Classic, it is currently one of two of its kind left, the other being Meteor at Little Amerricka in Marshall Wisconsin. All rides are to be removed by October of this year