This grandpa has turned his backyard into a magical wonderland that any child—and even some adults—would love to explore. With the aim of enticing his grandkids to visit more often, he constructed an enchanting space that rivals any amusement park.
Meet Paul Jenkins
Paul Jenkins, a 68-year-old retired engineer from Riverside, California, has been a Disney enthusiast since childhood. “I grew up just a couple of miles from Disneyland and watched it come to life,” he shared with ABC News. “My friends and I could hardly wait to see what it was all about when it finally opened. We even snuck in during quieter times, making memories that felt like adventures in our own backyard.”
Welcome to Jenkinsland
Fast forward to now, and Paul’s grandkids are experiencing their own enchanting escapades at his aptly named “Jenkinsland.” This backyard amusement park features a 100-foot-long roller coaster, a charming “Sleeping Beauty” castle, and a whimsical ride dubbed “Winnie-the-Wonder.” “My younger grandkids are absolutely crazy about Disneyland,” Paul explained. “I wanted to create a space that would make them excited to spend time with me, and let’s face it, competing with Disneyland is no easy task.”
The Inspiration Behind Jenkinsland
The inspiration for Jenkinsland struck about eight years ago when Paul realized he could only keep the grandkids entertained for short bursts. “He thought, ‘How can I make their visits more fun and imaginative?’” said his daughter, Lily. Starting with cardboard pirate ships and ping pong ball cannons, he crafted a homemade ride reminiscent of “Pirates of the Caribbean.” From that point on, his creativity soared, leading to a backyard theme park that even he hadn’t initially envisioned.
Building the Dream
Paul, who still teaches a few courses at a local university, even enlisted some of his students to help build the “Jenkins Mountain Coaster.” Constructed from PVC pipe, this roller coaster can reach speeds of up to 12 miles per hour, and it’s been certified as a legitimate ride. “He always dreamed of building a ride at Disney, and now he’s doing it for his grandkids right in his own yard,” Lily shared.
The Joy of Jenkinsland
The grandkids adore it, and it’s clear why. “They see him as the most inventive person in the world,” Lily said. “He’s not doing this for himself; the joy on his face while watching them enjoy it is priceless.”
Future Expansions
Like any good amusement park, Jenkinsland is set for expansion. Paul is currently working on new attractions, including spinning teacups, an educational airplane station, a car-themed area, and even a submarine adventure inspired by “Finding Nemo.” As Lily excitedly noted, “It’s dark inside, and he’s made things glow to enhance the experience.”
The Big Question
The big question remains—when can we all take a trip to Jenkinsland?
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In summary, Paul Jenkins has created a backyard paradise that not only captures the magic of childhood but also fosters cherished family moments. His efforts to build a place of joy for his grandkids prove that imagination and love can turn any ordinary space into something extraordinary.