WILD WAVES THEME PARK CLOSURE ANNOUNCED AS OPERATORS CITE DECLINING ATTENDANCE AND RISING COSTS
WHAT: Officials have confirmed the permanent closure of Wild Waves Theme Park, a major recreational facility, effective immediately. All operations have ceased, and scheduled events are canceled.
WHEN: The closure was announced on February 20, 2025, following a final day of operations earlier this week. The park, which opened in 1977, had been a staple for over four decades.
WHERE: The park is located in Federal Way, Washington, approximately 20 miles south of Seattle, near Interstate 5 and adjacent to the Federal Way Transit Center.
WHO: The park’s parent company, EPR Properties, issued the statement, citing the decision was made in coordination with management. The closure affects over 300 full-time and seasonal employees, who have been notified.
WHY: According to the official press release, the wild waves theme park closure was driven by steadily declining visitor numbers over the past five years, combined with a sharp increase in operational costs, including insurance premiums and utility expenses. Company representatives noted that COVID-19 pandemic recovery efforts failed to restore pre-2019 attendance levels. Local authorities have confirmed no pending safety violations or legal issues influenced this move.