Theme parks are supposed to be places of fun, excitement, and entertainment. But what happens when they are abandoned and left to decay? This is the case for Funland, a former theme park in Delaware that opened in 1962 and closed in 1984. Funland was once a popular destination for families and children, featuring rides, attractions, and shows. However, due to financial troubles, competition, and safety issues, the park eventually shut down and became a ghost town.
History of Funland
Funland was the brainchild of John Smith, a businessman and entrepreneur who wanted to create a family-friendly amusement park in Delaware. He bought a 200-acre plot of land near the town of Dover and began construction in 1961.
The park opened a year later, with a grand opening ceremony attended by thousands of people. Funland had a variety of rides, such as roller coasters, Ferris wheels, carousels, bumper cars, and water slides. It also had themed areas, such as Fairyland, Western Town, and Space World. The park also hosted live shows, such as circus acts, magic shows, and musicals.
Funland was a success in its early years, attracting millions of visitors and generating revenue. Smith expanded the park and added more rides and attractions, such as a haunted house, a safari park, and a mini-golf course. He also hired more staff and performers, and invested in marketing and advertising. Funland became one of the most popular theme parks in the region, rivaling other parks such as Six Flags and Disney World.
Decline and Closure of Funland
However, Funland’s fortunes began to decline in the late 1970s and early 1980s, due to several factors. First, the park faced increasing competition from other theme parks, especially those that offered more advanced and thrilling rides. Second, the park suffered from financial problems, as the costs of maintenance, operation, and expansion exceeded the revenues.
Third, the park experienced safety issues, as some of the rides malfunctioned or broke down, causing injuries and accidents. Fourth, the park lost its appeal and reputation, as some of the rides and attractions became outdated, boring, or damaged. Fifth, the park faced legal troubles, as some of the visitors and employees sued the park for negligence, fraud, or breach of contract.
As a result of these factors, Funland’s attendance and profits plummeted, and the park struggled to stay afloat. Smith tried to save the park by cutting costs, raising prices, and selling assets, but it was too late. In 1984, he announced that the park would close permanently, and filed for bankruptcy. The park’s last day of operation was on October 31, 1984, and the park was closed and locked up.
Current State of Funland
Since its closure, Funland has been abandoned and neglected, and has become a site of decay and vandalism. The rides and attractions have rusted, rotted, or collapsed, and the buildings have been graffitied, looted, or burned. The park has also been invaded by weeds, animals, and insects, and has become a health and environmental hazard.
The park has been the subject of urban exploration, photography, and folklore, and has attracted curiosity seekers, thrill seekers, and trespassers. Some people have also reported paranormal activity, such as ghost sightings, strange noises, and eerie feelings, and have claimed that the park is haunted by the spirits of the former visitors and employees.
The park’s fate remains uncertain, as there have been no plans or proposals to demolish, renovate, or reuse the park. The park’s owner, Smith, died in 1992, and the park’s ownership has been disputed by his heirs, creditors, and the state. The park has also been protected by historical preservation laws, as it has been designated as a historical landmark by the Delaware Historical Society. The park has also been the subject of media attention, as it has been featured in documentaries, books, and articles. The park has also been the inspiration for art, music, and fiction, as it has been portrayed in paintings, songs, and stories.
Conclusion
Funland is a former theme park in Delaware that has been abandoned and forgotten by most people. The park was once a place of joy and wonder, but now it is a place of ruin and horror. The park’s history, decline, and closure reflect the changing trends, tastes, and times of the American society and culture. The park’s current state also raises questions about the value, meaning, and future of theme parks and amusement. Funland is a reminder of the past, a symbol of the present, and a mystery of the future.