The Six Flags have closed one of the East Coast parks at the end of this season, significantly restructuring the company's “park portfolio.”
Maryland's Six Flags America and its water park, Hurricane Harbor, will eventually close their doors in 2025, the amusement park giant announced Thursday.
“As part of a comprehensive review of our park portfolio, Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor have determined that they are not strategically fit into the company's long-term growth plans.”
Six Flags America is located on 500 acres and will be sold as a redevelopment opportunity as part of the company's “long-term growth plan.”
The land was originally used as a wildlife center created in 1974 by former presidential candidate Rospero.
The theme park opened in 1992, and in 1997 it changed its name several times before Six Flags acquired the venue, turning it into the 10th park.
“This is a difficult decision and we recognize the impact it will have on associates and guests at the US and Hurricane Harbor Park,” added Zimmerman. “We are grateful to our park companions who work hard to create lifelong memories for our guests, and Six Flags is committed to supporting all associates affected through the closure process at the end of the year.
Retirement payments will be paid to the park's 70 full-time staff, but hundreds of local residents, including teenagers, had been searching for the park for employment over the previous summer.
Located 19 miles from Washington, DC, the theme park features the world's third oldest wooden roller coaster.
Formerly known as the Giant Coaster, Wild One first opened in 1912 at Paragon Park in Massachusetts.
After the New England Amusement Park was closed, the ride moved to its current location in Six Flags America and was rebranded in 1986 to what is now known.
It is the oldest coaster on all 6 flags.
Other notable rides include “Roar,” “Superman: Ride of Steel,” and the region's tallest water coaster, “Ripql Blaster.”
The company did not detail the fate of the attraction.
The final day of the park is scheduled for November 2, 2025.
The announcement on Thursday brought mixed emotions to members of the community.
“It's a shame to hear that Six Flags America, a longtime fixture in our community, will close that door after years of service to Prince George's county.” Councillor Walla Bergay said.
“The amusement park not only provided entertainment and memories to countless families, it was also an important community partner,” she wrote.
Council Chair Edward Burrows remained optimistic about the various possibilities that the land could be used in the future.
“In the beginning I wasn't happy about it,” he said. NBC Washington. “But the reality is, it's a real opportunity.”
“I really see both of these as opportunities to attract the kinds of projects that will raise Prince George's county,” Burrows said. “The stadium has been there for years, but frankly, we haven't seen the kind of income that has been generated from that place since we were there, and I see this as an opportunity for both places.”
