Six Flags permanently closes 50-year-old theme | Travel News

Six Flags has permanently shuttered two East Coast points of interest as half of a sweeping reorganization of the theme park’s “portfolio.”

Six Flags America in Maryland – home to at least one of the nation’s most historic curler coasters – alongside its adjoining water park, Hurricane Harbor, ceased operations for good on Nov. 2. The leisure giant first revealed the closure plans back in May.

“As part of our comprehensive review of our park portfolio, we have determined that Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor are not a strategic fit with the company’s long-term growth plan,” Six Flags CEO Richard A. Zimmerman defined on the time.

The sprawling Six Flags America encompassed 500 acres that originally functioned as a wildlife protect based by former presidential hopeful Ross Perot in 1974. The web site will now be promoted as a redevelopment prospect underneath the company’s “long-term growth plan,” based on the New York Post.

The vacation spot debuted in 1992 and skilled a number of title modifications earlier than Six Flags acquired the ability, remodeling it into the company’s tenth location in 1997.

“This was a difficult decision, and we recognize the impact it will have on our Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor park associates and guests,” Zimmerman famous. “We are grateful to our park associates who work hard to create lifelong memories for our guests, and Six Flags is committed to supporting all impacted associates through the closure process at the end of this year.”

The facility’s 70 full-time employees members will likely be supplied with severance packages, although a whole bunch of group residents, together with youngsters who trusted the attraction for seasonal employment, should search work alternatives elsewhere.

World’s third-oldest curler coaster

Enthusiasts should additionally say goodbye to the planet’s third-oldest picket curler coaster, Wild One, initially known as Giant Coaster, which debuted in 1912 at Paragon Park in Massachusetts.

Following the closure of the New England leisure venue, the attraction was moved to Six Flags America and renamed Wild One in 1986, establishing it as probably the most historic coaster throughout all Six Flags areas.

Additional beloved rides function Roar, Superman: Ride of Steel, and the realm’s most towering water coaster, RipQurl Blaster.

The company has but to reveal the destiny of these points of interest.

Six Flags followers react

The announcement has generated divided responses from native residents. “It is deeply disappointing to hear that Six Flags America, a long-standing fixture in our community, will be closing its doors after years of service to Prince George’s County,” mentioned Councilmember Wala Belgay.

“This amusement park has not only provided entertainment and memories for countless families, but it has also been a critical community partner,” she added.

Nevertheless, Council Chair Edward Burroughs acknowledges promise within the circumstances. “Initially, I was not happy about it,” he admitted to NBC Washington, “But the reality is, it’s a real opportunity.

“I actually do view each of these as an alternative to draw the sort of initiatives that can uplift Prince George’s County,” Burroughs stated.

“The stadium has been there for a quantity of years, and albeit, we have now not seen the sort of income generated from that location since it has been there. And so, I view this as an alternative for each areas.”