FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — Wild Waves theme park in Federal Way will be closing its doors for good after 50 years in business.
The last splash will happen today, Labor Day.
“A lot of people have been flooding back to the park to relive the memories, make new ones, and say goodbye,” Wes Petree, Wild Waves’ director of sales and marketing, told MyNorthwest.com. “The community has really shown up in support of Wild Waves.”
Oklahoma-based Premier Parks operates Wild Waves Theme & Water Park. It announced the closure in December, citing rising costs. Petree said the park employs 35 full-time staff and hires 800 to 900 seasonal workers each year.
Documents filed with the city of Federal Way show plans to transform the site into a 1-million-square-foot industrial warehouse. Property owner Jeff Stock told The Federal Way Mirror he considered a hotel or convention center but found little interest and worried about leaving the property vacant.
As for the rides, Petree said some theme park attractions will move to other parks. The water slides will likely “be scrapped or taken to the junkyard,” Petree said.
One lifelong fan of the park, Joseph Goodman, started a petition to save the park.
Goodman wrote in part:
“When I was growing up, Wild Waves Theme & Water Park was my family’s go-to place for fun and unforgettable memories. With each summer, we eagerly anticipated the thrill of the rides, the laughter, and the cherished times shared together. However, this beloved destination in Federal Way, Washington, is now at risk due to financial setbacks and a lack of investment.
For over four decades, Wild Waves has not only been a hallmark of entertainment for countless families but also a significant contributor to our local economy, offering employment to thousands and drawing tourists from across the region. This park is not just a place of amusement; it’s a community treasure that has been a backdrop to numerous family stories and a cornerstone of local culture.
The park is currently facing potential closure due to a combination of mounting operating costs and reduced visitors, largely impacted by recent economic challenges and the enduring effects of the pandemic. Losing Wild Waves would mean more than just the loss of a recreational facility; it would signify a cultural and economic blow to our community.
As passionate supporters of this historic gem, we have several actionable steps to propose to ensure its survival. We urge local authorities to consider providing financial support or tax incentives that could alleviate the financial burden on the park. Additionally, initiating a community-driven fundraising campaign could inject necessary capital for maintenance and future development."
You can view and sign the petition here.
As of 11:20 p.m. on Sept. 7, 1,152 people have signed the petition.
It should be noted that a certain number of signatures doesn’t necessarily mean the decision will be overturned, but rather, it brings attention to the issue.
MyNorthwest.com contributed to this story.
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