Wild Waves Theme and Water Park in Federal Way Closes Permanently After 50 Seasons
Wes Petree, the director of sales and marketing for Wild Waves, confirmed that the water park in Federal Way, Washington, will permanently close its operations after Labor Day weekend. The park has operated for 50 seasons, serving as a local summer staple for multiple generations of families. Management cited millions of dollars in financial losses following post-COVID-19 reopenings and unsustainable operating costs as the primary reasons for the closure. Following the shutdown, the water park will be demolished and converted into a 1-million-square-foot industrial warehouse. While the water park attractions close on September 7, the surrounding theme park will remain open for various Halloween-themed events until its official closure on November 1. Wild Waves currently employs 35 full-time staff and between 800 and 900 seasonal workers.
Sources
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Petition created to save Wild Waves theme park
KIRO 7 News Seattle
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Saying goodbye to the memories: Iconic amusement parks across nation close for good as summer ends
The Independent
Paywall and unreadable sources
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Wild Waves water park closing soon
The Seattle Times
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50-year-old theme and water park to close forever after summer season
thestreet.com
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Beloved Washington water park shuts doors; amusement park closure nearing
Tacoma News Tribune