Wild Waves Theme And Water Park Opened In 1977, Running For One Final Season That Ends Halloween Night, And Replaced By A One-Million-Square-Foot Warehouse That Local Residents With Generational Memories Of The Park Immediately Opposed
According to The Street, the Wild Waves Theme and Water Park in Federal Way, Washington State has opened for what Premier Parks owner and president Kieran Burke has confirmed is its final season. The park, which opened in 1977 and has operated for nearly 50 years, will run its farewell season from May 23 through November 1, 2026, closing permanently after its Halloween event.
“Unfortunately, the rising cost of ongoing operations since reopening after the COVID shutdown has generated millions in losses, which forces us to discontinue operations at the end of our 2026 season,” Burke said in a statement. All 30 rides and water slides will remain operational for the full final season, and all previously purchased season passes and packages will be honoured.
The closure is part of a broader wave of financial distress across the mid-tier amusement park industry. Six Flags announced it would close six underperforming locations in 2026. Brean Theme Park in Somerset, England was assigned to liquidators at the start of the year. Glenwood Caverns in Colorado filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February.
Local residents in Federal Way have already protested the approved replacement plan; a one-million-square-foot warehouse on the 50-year-old site which park co-owner Jeff Stock described as still in “preliminary stages.”
To check out our previous coverage on theme parks, retail closures, and consumer trends, read our articles here.
