Six Flags is closing down one in all its East Coast parks on the finish of this season in a major reshaping of the corporate’s “park portfolio.”
Maryland’s Six Flags America and its water park, Hurricane Harbor, will shut its doorways for the ultimate time in 2025, the amusement park big introduced Thursday.
“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 mentioned.
Six Flags America sits on 500 acres of land and can be bought as a redevelopment alternative as a part of the corporate’s “long-term growth plan.”
The land was initially used as a wildlife heart created by former presidential candidate Ross Perot in 1974.
A theme park was opened in 1992 and went by way of a number of identify modifications earlier than Six Flags acquired the venue, turning it into its tenth park 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 added. “We’re grateful to our park associates who work onerous to create lifelong recollections for our company, and Six Flags is dedicated to supporting all impacted associates by way of the closure course of on the finish of this yr.
Severance can be paid to the park’s 70 full-time staffers, however lots of of native residents, together with youngsters have regarded to the park for employment throughout earlier summers.
The theme park, situated 19 miles from Washington, D.C., is residence to the world’s third-oldest picket curler coaster.
Wild One, previously often called Large Coaster, was first opened in 1912 at Paragon Park in Massachusetts.
After the New England amusement park was shuttered, the journey was moved to its present location at Six Flags America and rebranded to what’s recognized now in 1986.
It’s the oldest coaster throughout all Six Flags.
Different featured rides embrace “Roar,” “Superman: Ride of Steel,” and the area’s tallest water coaster, “RipQurl Blaster.”
The corporate didn’t element the destiny of the points of interest.
The park’s remaining day is scheduled for Nov. 2, 2025.
Thursday’s announcement left group members with blended emotions.
“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,” Councilmember Wala Belgay mentioned.
“This amusement park has not only provided entertainment and memories for countless families, but it has also been a critical community partner,” she wrote.
Council chair Edward Burroughs remained optimistic for the varied potentialities that the land might be used for sooner or later.
“Initially, I was not happy about it,” he mentioned based on NBC Washington. “But the reality is, it’s a real opportunity.”
“I really do view both of these as an opportunity to attract the type of projects that will uplift Prince George’s County,” Burroughs mentioned. “The stadium has been there for a number of years, and frankly, we have not seen the type of revenue generated from that location since it’s been there. And so, I view this as an opportunity for both locations.”
