Construction work has begun on the derelict Silver Beach amusement park on the shores of Lake Michigan in St. Joseph, Michigan.

The US$20m park is being completely rebuilt and it is expected that the park will open to the public by the end of summer 2009.

Details of the facilities at the park are to be finalised, but according to a spokesperson many of the rides which the park was famous for will be rebuilt – including a large carousel, the Shadowland Ballroom and a boardwalk.

The park originally opened in 1891 but was forced to close in 1971 due to declining attendances.

The rebuilding of the park is being funded by a joint venture made up of public and private monies – including funding from the city of St. Joseph and the Whirlpool Corporation as well as four local family businesses – Gast, Schalon, Upton and Whitwam.

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