Paul Borchardt

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When Iowa-native Paul Borchardt married Paula Roads more than four decades ago, it wasn’t necessarily part of the plan to move to Amarillo and run her family’s amusement park. However, his naval experience, as well as a master’s degree in accounting, presented the perfect skills needed to run Wonderland Park when Paula’s parents were no longer able. Together, the husband-wife team, along with 15 year-round, full-time staff members (and more than 200 employees during the summer), keep Amarillo’s 60-year-old amusement park in business. In keeping with the family legacy, Paul and Paula’s daughter, Rebecca serves as the park’s comptroller, while their other daughters, Kristen, Keira, and Paige, all worked at Wonderland part-time at one time or another.

“It’s our life all the time,” says Paul. “Even when we go on vacation, we go to other parks. We really enjoy it. If you like what you do, then it’s not work.”

Last year, Wonderland was recognized with a “Publisher’s Pick Award” as part of Amusement Today’s coveted Golden Ticket Awards.

When I get in my car, the first thing I listen to is… talk radio.

My friends and family call me… P.D.

My favorite meal to make from scratch is… steak.

In an alternate life, I would’ve been an… explorer.

If I had an open plane ticket to anywhere, I would go to… Vincenza, Italy.

After a long, hard day, I love to… watch the sun set.

One of my favorite childhood toys was… remote-controlled car.

One movie I could watch over and over again is… Top Gun.

If I were a character in a book, I would be… spy.

The greatest piece of advice I’ve ever received is… not to give up.

When my children grow up, the one thing I want them to always remember is… “can’t” never did anything.

You may be surprised to know that I… am older than I look.

My guilty pleasure is… ice cream.

If I had the time, I would… travel leisurely by car.

My favorite bad-for-me-food is… pancakes.

When I get online, I always go to… email.

The most unique place I’ve ever traveled to is… St. Petersburg, Russia.

The thing I love the most about living in Amarillo is… the people.

by Jennie Treadway-Miller

Jennie was a columnist for the Chattanooga Times Free Press for eight years prior to moving to Amarillo in 2008. She is an avid reader, runner and writer.