RIVERVIEW PARK DES MOINES
PRODUCTIONS
Bill Kooker, Historian, Speaker, Former General Manager.
Bill is the foremost historian of Riverview Park, having lived the life of the park personally for twenty years. His grandfather was an owner as was his father, with all three being active in operating Riverview for a total of 50 years. He is available to share his vast knowledge and stories through presentations that he has created. An entertaining and informative event that is ideal for large groups, company seminars, private parties and any gathering of people that have fading memories of the old park or those that want to learn another facet of Des Moines' past.
Bill uses audio visual media in his presentations and can provide his own projector and screen if they are not available from your group or organization. He presents a library of historical photographs and videos that few have seen before
BOOK RELEASE
2nd Edition
(Book release March 21st 2018
Riverview Park, The Lost Summers is the story of Riverview. Read this creative-non fiction of all the stories that are swirling in Bill Kooker's mind of the life of Riverview.
If you were lucky enough to experience the wonders of Riverview Amusement Park and want to relive the memory or if you want to learn more of the "Coney Island of Iowa", this is a must read.
Purchase the Book - Click Here
MEDIA PRESENTATION
Titled "Remembering Riverview", this presentation is an audio visual trip back into the past with a slide show and videos of many good times at Riverview Park. Bill provides commentary and information on the scenes presented that created so many memories for many people. This presentation lasts approximately one hour.
SPEAKER PRESENTATION
Bill Kooker presents the history of Riverview Park with many little known facts about the park. He takes his audience back to how Riverview came to be and who the key individuals were that brought the idea and dream to reality. Bill shares all of the trials and tribulations the park endured over the years including the one that brought Riverview's life to an abrupt end.
This event is complimented by audio visual presentation of photos and video from Bill's private collection and lasts approximately one hour
SERVICES
TESTIMONIALS
Thank you to Bill Kooker for sharing his memories this afternoon at AMVETS Post 2. I bought the book Riverview Park: The Lost Summers. My husband took it away from me and hasn't put it down since. Thank you Bill for compiling this.
M.L. - Social Media
Bill's presentation took our members down memory lane with a great slide show, videos and his personal family recollections of the Park.
Scribe - City Rotary
"This book is most definitely a MUST HAVE, it will make you feel so blessed you were able to be a part of Riverview and if you weren't you will 'experience' it through this marvelous book written by Bill Kooker."
Paula - Facebook
"I've read the book and absolutely loved it. I don't mind saying that I shed a few tears also."
Sandie - Facebook
"Just finished reading The Lost Summers; only disappointment was it wasn't 800 pages long."
Christopher - Facebook
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Cindy - Facebook group
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Kent - Lost Des Moines Administrator
"Finally bought the book "Riverview Park, The Lost Summers" by Bill Kooker today. Awesome book!"
Dianne - Social Media
"WHAT A WONDERFUL GIFT !! THAT IS ONE NICE FRIEND !! LET ME TELL YOU, THAT BOOK IS FILLED WITH LOVE, MEMORIES OF OUR CHILDHOOD, FACTS, AND IN THIS CASE, THE PEOPLE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT, THAT SUPPLIED & PROVIDED OUR CHILDHOOD FUN BY KEEPING RIVERVIEW ALIVE FOR SO MANY YEARS."
Charlie - Social Media
"I received your book and am very happy with it.. brings back a lot of
memories and I really enjoyed the stories."
Elaine - Social Media
"My brother picked up 2 copies of the book for me! Now I've made it back to Des Moines for my class reunion this weekend and and got the books. One for me and one for a friend. Now to journey down memory lane! Thanks Bill! See that you signed them too."
Cindy - Social Media
"It is a great book. I bought one for each of my sisters for Christmas to remember all the great times we had there as a kid." Cheryl - Social Media
"I worked at park for ten years. When I worked on the Wild Mouse we used to scare our riders. I would shake the car and Tom would say "Is this the car that came off?" When the riders started to walk away we would tell them we were just kidding. It was so much fun working at the park."
Wayne - Social Media
Interested in hiring Bill for one of your special events? Lets Talk.