After over 50 years, a beloved amusement park in California will be permanently shuttering its doors this weekend. Fiesta Village Family Fun Park, a locally-owned establishment in Colton, California has announced that July 11 will be its final day of operation.
“For decades, Fiesta Village has been a place where families gathered, friendships grew and memories were made,” the park wrote on social media. “When we were given the opportunity 25 years ago to carry forward the tradition that began in 1974, our goal was to preserve that spirit and create a welcoming space for connection, celebration and joy, while also providing meaningful employment for the people who helped bring it all to life.”
The park first opened in 1974 and operated for decades before being bought by wife and husband Michelle and Patrick O’Brien in 2002. The O’Briens added new attractions, including laser tag, a roller skating rink, and several rides.
“It’s the most fun job in the world,” Michelle told SFGate. “We got to work with a lot of high school and college kids, their first-time job. Getting to watch them grow and develop through the time that they had with us was so incredibly meaningful.”
The O’Briens say they tried to find a buyer for the park, but were unable to do so, after rising operating costs and falling attendance forced their hand. The couple say that after announcing the park’s closure, they have received an outpouring of kind messages from locals.
“We have received so many messages about what a special place Fiesta Village is,” Michelle continued. “It definitely was a wonderful part of the community, a place where people came together.”
