ContributorCommunity HistoryDescriptionA view of Scarborough beach looking north. The building on the left is a shop located on the Esplanade. The circular tower is part of the "Flying Boats" ride at Luna Park, which was under construction at the time.CollectionCoastal collectionScarborough Stories Online ExhibitionCreator individualPhotographer unknownDate createdc1938Historical details
Luna Park was an amusement park located on the corner of Scarborough Beach Road and West Coast Highway (now Luna shopping centre). It was built in the latter part of 1939, opening in time for summer. Originally only open during summer, in 1943 the opening hours expanded to also include winter. During World War Two blackout regulations meant it was unable to open at night.
The amusements included a penny arcade, skittles, and mechanical rides such as Flying boats, Gee Wizz and dodgem cars. The park became a favourite hangout for teenagers throughout the 1950s and 1960s and was also used as a venue for events such as beauty contests.
Over the life of the amusement park there were various community discussions regarding gambling licencing, Sunday trading, and excessive noise. The park was demolished in 1972 to make way for a shopping complex.
