Althea Roads, co-founder of Wonderland amusement park has died.

Althea and her husband, Paul Roads founded Wonderland Amusement Park in 1951 when it was originally called Kiddeland until 1967.  The park opened with three rides.  Althea took charge of ordering supplies, sold tickets, kept the books, managed personnel, and was in charge of customer relations.  Wonderland is now 29 rides strong and covers 16 acres of land.  It's the largest family owned amusement park in Texas.

Althea was responsible for the School Ticket Fundraiser Program that benefited area schools.  It allowed schools to sell Wonderland tickets while keeping a park of the proceeds.

Mrs. Roads was also a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader in the 1950's.  In 1972 Roads started the Small Parks Association, a group of 12 family owned parks. In 2003 the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions selected Paul & Althea as recipients of their Lifetime Achievement Award.  In 2009 Wonderland Park received the Golden Ticket Award as Park of the Year.

Althea also received the Amarillo Women's Network Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008.

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