Wild Waves Theme and Water Park in Washington State will close permanently after its final season, ending nearly 50 years of operation. The park, which opened in 1977, will shut down after the 2026 season, with visitors invited to "say goodbye."
Final Season and Closure Details
The water park section closed on September 7, while other rides will operate until the end of the Fright Fest Halloween celebration on November 1. Wild Waves posted on social media: "Come ride, splash, laugh, make one last memory, and say goodbye."
The park was originally operated as Enchanted Village and was part of Oklahoma-based Premier Parks' expansion. It is home to more than 30 attractions and water rides, with the water park added in 1984. Over the years, the park was briefly sold to Six Flags before returning to Premier.
Financial Reasons and Future Plans
The Premier Parks owner and president cited "the rising cost of ongoing operations since reopening after the COVID shutdown" as the reason for the closure. He said the park has faced "millions in losses […that] forces us to discontinue operations at the end of our 2026 season."
Wild Waves has employed hundreds of seasonal workers in recent years, with around 800 seasonal workers on the team. After the park closes, a warehouse is planned for the site, with a plan approved by the local city.
Community Reaction
The closure plan has met with outrage from visitors. In December last year, park co-owner Jeff Stock said: "We recognize the deep history and emotional connection many residents have with the park, and we are committed to ensuring a respectful transition while planning a project that will bring meaningful, lasting benefits to the area."
