Six Flags rescues 'Little Dipper' roller coaster from Kiddieland

In an effort to preserve some roller coaster history, Six Flags Great America in Gurnee purchased the "Little Dipper" roller coaster during an auction at the shuttered Kiddieland in Melrose Park.

Brooke Gabbert, communications director for Six Flags in Gurnee, said Tuesday's purchase of the vintage wooden roller coaster was partially to save a piece of roller coaster history, but also to add a "new" attraction people have loved.

"The details of when it will open and where it will be in the park are still being worked out," Gabbert said. "But we do plan to restore it and reopen it and run it as our 14th roller coaster."

Six Flags needs to dismantle the Little Dipper at Kiddieland, then move it to Gurnee, she said. It is unclear how long that process will take.

"Our hope is to have it open by the start of the 2010 season," Gabbert said. "But, with Chicago winters being what they are, we are unsure what the timetable would be at this point."

The Little Dipper was opened at Kiddieland Amusement Park in 1950 and operated until September of this year when the park closed. Gabbert said Six Flags will retain the ride's name.

The Little Dipper was designed by Herbert Schmeck and built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1950. The family-friendly coaster features a three-story tall lift hill and is designed as a figure eight track, which runs 700 feet in length. It has been honored with the ACE Coaster Classic award by the American Coaster Enthusiasts.

"The Little Dipper has been a fond family tradition for over 50 years," Six Flags Great America President Hank Salemi said in a news release. "We wanted to preserve this important piece of Chicago history for families to experience for many more years to come."