The sale of a Emblematic center of family entertainment by Peoria West Peoria Means the end of an era for a family, but the new owners are delighted with a new chapter in the 62 years of history of Kartville.
Mike and Karina Hinton recently bought Kartville from the previous owner David Baker. Mike Hinton said they planned to invest more in Kartville by adding new food and drinking options and new attractions.
“We do not want to give all our secrets, but we have tons of ideas and we are delighted to pass Kartville to the next level,” he said. “We also invite conversations with local organizations interested in part of this growth. So stay listening. “
Customers dealing with their children or grandchildren for a day in Kartville probably remembered their own outings.
Baker’s father, Al Baker, and Jess Buehler founded Fun Center in 1963 when they discovered an abandoned Go-Cart track. Over the years, they have added sticks to the stick, dune strollers, a miniature golf course, boats-pare-chocs and a concession stand. Al Baker bought the share of the Buehler company and was adopted to his son in 1988. Baker operated the Entertainment Center for 37 years before deciding to sell.
“Once I met Mike, told him a bit, he seemed to be the right person to continue the tradition here,” said Baker. “I have three daughters, and they all do what they went to school to do, so they are not really interested in directing Kartville.”
Baker’s future plans include “lots of relaxing, a little fishing and a bunch of travel”. After four decades of pleasure to other families, he plans to spend time with his own family, including grandchildren.
The Hintons have promised to continue the inheritance of Kartville to make memories with a pleasure with a safe and affordable family.
“The family means the world for us,” said Karina Hinton. “We can’t wait to raise our children here in summer with the children of the community.”
Kartville is located at 919 N. Swords Ave., West Peoria. Operating hours are from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily.