Texas man builds amusement park for granddaughter

DECATUR, TX (KTRK) -- The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo begins this week, but one little girl from North Texas doesn't have to travel here to check out the carnival. Her grandfather built an amusement park just for her.

Jimmy White has constructed an entire backyard amusement park at his home for his granddaughter. The park is complete with a Ferris Wheel, a carousel and a roller coaster, all built from scrap materials.

The coaster starts on a second floor balcony and circles the backyard. The track is made from PVC pipe, and supports are wood and cement. The custom-built car locks onto the track with a wheel system, and White said it's strong enough to support an adult.

He said he started building the amusement park as soon as he found out he was going to be a grandfather.

His granddaughter Sophia is now almost 3 years old, and she spends a lot of time with her grandpa.

White said he doesn't have any formal engineering training, but says he's good with his hands and figuring things out. He plans on adding to the amusement park, including a motorized system to return the roller coaster car to the gate.