[3] Playland was much smaller in scope and size than Disneyland, however, and because it offered a cheaper alternative, it was capable of drawing in above 250,000 guests in its debut season.

At the time of opening, Playland offered a merry-go-round, small roller coaster, and a miniature diesel train that travelled around Lake Washington, an artificial pond in which guests could swim in.

Seven years later, Storyland was built on the other side of Lake Washington, and the diesel train system was connected with a second station, so passengers could travel between the parks freely.

It was announced by Daniel Leith, a Playland and Storyland board member, who stated that they would remain closed until they had gathered enough funds to repair tree-damaged sidewalks and irrigation systems, to improve landscape, attractions and bathrooms, and cover operations costs at a time when attendance was lagging.

[4][2] When The Fresno Bee reported on Playland's closure for the 2015 season, and its mounting problems with funding, the news organization was inundated with a flood of local support throughout the year.

On July 6, a letter to the editor by Cathy Caples was published that suggested that local residents turning 60 years old donate $60 to the Save Storyland campaign, as it was also Playland's 60th birthday.