Six Flags America shutting down Maryland park home of one of the oldest rollercoasters in US in portfolio revamp: Deeply disappointing

Six Flags is closing down one of its East Coast parks at the end of this season in a significant reshaping of the company’s “park portfolio.”Maryland’s Six Flags America and its water park, Hurricane Harbor, will shut its doors for the final time in 2025, the amusement park giant announced Thursday.“As part of our comprehensive review of our park portfolio, we have determined that Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor are not a strategic fit with the company’s long-term growth plan,” Six Flags CEO Richard A.Zimmerman said.Six Flags America sits on 500 acres of land and will be sold as a redevelopment opportunity as part of the company’s “long-term growth plan.”The land was originally used as a wildlife center created by former presidential candidate Ross Perot in 1974.A theme park was opened in 1992 and went through several name changes before Six Flags acquired the venue, turning it into its 10th park in 1997.“This was a difficult decision, and we recognize the impact it will have on our Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor park associates and guests,” Zimmerman added.

“We are grateful to our park associates who work hard to create lifelong memories for our guests, and Six Flags is committed to supporting all impacted associates through the closure process at the end of this year. Severance will be paid to the park’s 70 full-time staffers, but hundreds of local residents, including teenagers have looked to the park for employment during previous summers.The theme park, located 19 miles from Washington, D.C., is home to the world’s third-oldest wooden roller coaster.Wild One, formerly known as Giant Coaster, was first opened in 1912 at Paragon Park in Massachusetts.After the New England amusement park was shuttered, the ride was moved to its current location at Six Flags America and rebranded to what is known now in 1986.It is the oldest coaster across all Six Flags.Other featured rides include “Roar,” “Superman: Ride of Stee...