It opened on August 4, 1984. It was first known as the Enchanted Village. It went through four owners. Now it’s closing down for good.
What is it? Wild Waves.
It seems imminent that after 50 years, Wild Waves will close down for good after this season due to rising operating costs and losses from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here’s what FWPA students & staff had to say about it:
“I’m pretty sad, I used to go there a lot as a child,” Alexis Tran complained. She explained that she made some of her most stark memories at Wild Waves, saying “I do remember going to the Wave Pool almost drowning because a friend pulled me under.” She reflected on Wild Waves with, “It’s been there for as long as I can remember.”
Nardos Fekade, on the other hand, argued, “I didn’t like Wild Waves that much, the water was too cold.” She also pointed out that, “My hair was straight, and it wasn’t worth it to swim in the Wave Pool and ruin my hair.”
Mark Ogoroddnik shared similar views, explaining, “I’ve been going to Wild Waves for the past 2 summers, and I kind of got tired of it.” The general trend among FWPA students is that they appreciate it when they are younger (or the first time they went there) and they enjoy their time there. As they get older, they tend to distance themselves from the park as their interests change. Problems also became known, as Mr. G also judged as Wild Waves being, “too much work to keep it open and not enough money being earned.”
With no known replacement for Wild Waves, people have been suggesting their own. Mr. Scott is unsure, adding that “It’s a very valuable property because of where it’s located.” While Anya Sohi guessed, “A warehouse because it’s a big space.”
Regardless of your opinion, parks come and go. Some people enjoy them, while others don’t. The memories that can be made can be treasured or traumatizing.
At the end of the day, Wild Waves opened up on May 23, 2026 for the last time. Will you go or stay?
