History

1964

In 1964 Charles “Buddy “ Jenkins and Arnold Palmer met… Jenkins had just acquired a large parcel of bayside property in Ocean City MD and Palmer — the reigning “King” of golf at the time — was developing Driving Ranges and Miniature Golf courses.

Jenkins purchased a franchise and in July 1964 opened the Arnold Palmer Putting Course and Driving Range. The following year, he added 10 Amusement Rides and over the next several years Jolly Roger® Park established itself as a major tourist attraction in the seaside resort.

1965

Added 6 Rides, including a Merry-Go-Round, Kiddie Roller Coaster, Skyliner and Train; the Train still operates today

1966

Added Carousel, Dry Slide and Bumper Cars

1970

Splash Mountain begins with a concrete Water Slide

1974

Acquired Pier and began major renovations and added new rides and attractions.

1976

Speedworld® begins with 2 tracks – Formula One and Family Track

a woman in a light colored tank top and shorts playing miniature golf on a sunny day

Jungle Golf is built – the first “elevated” Miniature Golf Course on the East Coast

green turf grass on a miniature golf course with boulders and rope walk

Opened Gold Rush – a Miniature Golf Course and Arcade in North Ocean City.

girl in Bumper Car

Bumper Cars and Speed Boats added.

aerial view of the jolly rogers amusement park

Added Log Flume

a young girl with short dark hair playing miniature golf with her parents

Second Miniature Golf Course – Treasure Golf

a man juggling flame lit torches in a circus setting at night

Saw a Series of Live Acts and Shows:

  • Alligator Pond
  • Flying Wallendas
  • Petting Zoo
  • Bill Wills Parker Playhouse
  • Dolphin Show
  • High Dive Acts
  • Royal Hannford Circus
  • Lion and Tiger Shows
  • And who could forget, Donte the Elephant and Earl the Chimpanzee
black and white photo kids on beach

The Ferris Wheel, 1001 Nights, Music Express and Enterprise were added during the second renovation of the Pier

the roof of a haunted house attraction

More Amusement Rides and Haunted House added at 30th Street.

bird's eye view of race car tracks in front of the bay

Speedworld® expands with several new tracks.

people floating down a lazy river in colorful intertubes on a hut summer day

Splash Mountain expands with addition of Lazy River.

a red roller coaster at night

Wild Mouse Roller Coaster added to Park.

a childrens play area in a water park on a bright sunny day

Expansion of Lazy River and addition of Lost Lagoon at Splash Mountain.

a bird's eye view of new amusements added to the jolly rogers splash mountain

Stealth, Master Blaster, Wave Pool and Rain Forest added at Splash Mountain.

a pink and green hurricane shaped ride at a water park

Added Eye of the Hurricane at Splash Mountain.

Aqualoop

Aqua Loop – the East Coast’s only 360 Degree Looping Water Slide – added at Splash Mountain.

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Circus Smile begins their annual performances at Jolly Roger Park

people standing behind a white banner with the words congratulations ocean city chamber of commerce

Jolly Roger® Amusement Parks Celebrates 50th Anniversary.

Mermaids at Splash Mountain

Debut of Splash Mountain Mermaids

the wooden cyclone go kart ride at speedworld in ocean city

Opened the Cyclone – world’s first Cart Coaster.

2017

The Tea Cups, a classic amusement favorite.

Kraken 1 Min 500x330

The Kraken was added to the Pier location.

Christmas In July Toys

July 25th – First Christmas in July to benefit Toys for Tots

twist-n-shout

Twist n’ Shout Kids Slide added to Splash Mountain

Giant Wheel

After a winter-long renovation the Giant Wheel at the Pier is reopened!

crazy-cabs

Crazy Cabs added at the Pier.

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Drop and Twist added to 30th Street Rides and Pirate Ship “appears”

barracuda-jollly-roger

Barracuda added to 30th street.

Monster Truck attraction at Jolly Roger Speedworld

SpeedWorld becomes the home of the Monster Truck Shaker Experience