“The impetus behind my show, Exit from Joyland, is likely my ongoing astonishment over Kiddieland’s demise. Six years later and I still can’t believe that the cultural star of Melrose Park was torn down and replaced by a Costco.

Though I’ve photographed many abandoned schools, churches, farms etc. over the years, the loss of family friendly venues like Kiddieland has left me particularly introspective.

These losses inspired me to seek out places like abandoned playgrounds, drive-in theaters and amusement parks. On the surface, they can be fun to shoot as they are full of vivid colors and nostalgic backdrops. There is a bit of melancholy underneath the settings, though, as modern living renders these once joyful escapes obsolete and the playgrounds of our pasts devolve into proverbial parking lots.”