Luna Park Historic District

06/03/2022

They call a rollercoaster a "lunapark train" in Turkey!

Lunapark in many parts of the world is synonymous with "amusement park" because there were so many parks piggybacking off of Coney Island's original Luna Park.

02/19/2022

Our neighborhood went from farmland operated with slave labor, an amusement park restricted to whites only, and finally a subdivision of housing also restricted to whites only. Deed restrictions were finally lifted by Mayor Dodson and city council through an official city ordinance on November 6, 1967. Representatives were persuaded primarily by African American protesters motivated by their displacement through urban renewal. The West Side slowly became more diverse ever since. Story by WOWK 13 NEWS

A community on Charleston's West Side is working to preserve history while also learning from the past. The Luna Park District used to be home to an amusement park that attracted people from well beyond the borders of West Virginia by boat and trolley, but it wasn't open to everyone.

02/09/2022

The signs are up! We now have 4 big gateway signs marking the corners of the district with colorful views during the days of the amusement park as told by Blake Wheeler and Glen Brogan's art.

Take a walk around Luna Park and see the signs for yourself...
Kanawha Blvd & Delaware Ave
Kanawha Blvd & Lovell Dr
Main St & Delaware Ave
Main St & Glenwood Ave

Big thanks to Jeff Pierson's beautiful work on the lettering, moon, and sign design; and the City of Charleston, WV, Office Of Public Art - Charleston, WV, Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation, the West Side Neighborhood Association, and all the residents and committee members that made this possible!

The West Side Neighborhood Association’s Luna Park Historic District Committee worked together with the City of Charleston and the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation to bring the vision to lif…

02/03/2022

Resources for homeless and people in transition

Open House Feb. 6 and Feb. 20 at Bream Memorial Church's Hubbard Building.

12/16/2021

Can you believe there used to be an amusement park on the West Side of Charleston? In Part III of the Luna Park story, we talk a walk through this mysterious park from its opening days in 1913. We learn what it was like, who attended, and what rides and entertainment made up this short-lived park. And finally, how did it meet it's end in 1923?

10/17/2021

Why was an amusement park built on the West Side of Charleston along with other Luna Parks around the nation? In Part II of the Luna Park story, we learn how the rise of railways and electricity lead to a boom of amusement parks in the early 1900s.

10/03/2021

How did Charleston's West Side go from marshy farmland to a lively amusement park destination? In Part I of the Luna Park story, we explore the origins of the West Side.

09/22/2021

It was a close race for the 2021 , but the Best Photo and grand prize goes to James Smith for his photo of the beautiful pond amongst the trees!

Kate Dodson wins the Moon Shot for her flowery home under the stars. Steve Utt wins the Family & Friends category for the shot of our neighborhood tie-dye entrepreneurs. And Rafael Barker wins the Home & Garden category for the capture of John C. Norman built apartment building under the rainbow.

What a fantastic conclusion and such amazing photos that were difficult to choose between! We know this announcement comes during some tough times in Charleston, but we hope you find some joy from our Luna Park photographers. We hope everyone had a fun time capturing our neighborhood. Prize winners will be contacted to collect your winnings :)

Thanks so much again to Dem 2 Brothers & A Grill, Adelphia Sports Bar & Grille, Pile's Hardware, Main St. Garden Club, Terri Poindexter, and Howard Tyree for your contributions to the prizes.

09/21/2021

Charly "Jupiter" Hamilton, beloved Charleston artist and Luna Park neighbor, passed today September 21, 2021 after a bout with bone cancer resulting from Agent Orange exposure during his service in the Vietnam War. Charly was a kind, creative soul that brought joy and a vibrant perspective to everyone he touched with his art and his presence. He has given so much life to Charleston and will be so missed.

09/16/2021

Cast your votes for the Best Photo here on this post. Full view of all 9 photos is available here. 1 vote per person only! See the letter on the bottom corner of your favorite photo, and comment: "I vote for _"

Voting closes on September 21, 2021 at 11:59pm

09/14/2021

Congrats to our finalists 📷:
Rafael Barker, Kate Dodson,
James Smith, and Steve Utt!

Click the link to see the best photos and vote on your favorites to determine the winners 🖼️

Vote on your favorite photos from our selected finalists of the Luna Park Photo Contest. Polls open until 11:59pm EST on September 21, 2021. Please view the photos and select your favorite in each of the 3 categories: - Home & Garden - Friends & Family - Moon Shot