RM students are saddened by the loss of a beloved Maryland theme park. Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor in Bowie, Md. permanently closed on Nov. 2 after serving Maryland residents for over 50 years. 

The closure was announced in a press release from the Six Flags Entertainment Corp. on May 1. 

“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,” said Six Flags President and CEO Richard A. Zimmerman in the release. “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. Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor have been an important part of the local community, and this final season will be an opportunity to celebrate the decades of fun that guests have enjoyed at the property.”

One of the park’s attractions,  Wild One, was the oldest operating roller coaster in the country at the time of its closing. Originally called The Giant Coaster, it opened at Paragon Park in Nantasket Beach, Massachusetts on May 26, 1917. Some of the other most popular attractions in the park’s portfolio included Superman: Ride of Steel and Batwing.

Sophomore Justin Iadicola was never able to visit the park. When asked how the closure affected him, Iadicola expressed his feelings. “Well it’s definitely very sad, especially considering I’ve always wanted to go to Six Flags America. Like they have the oldest roller coaster in America, and I’ve always been wanting to try it, but I never got a chance to,” he said. 

Some MCPS middle schools, including Parkland Middle School, Earle B. Wood Middle School, Benjamin Banneker Middle School and Silver Creek Middle School have conducted field trips to Six Flags America in previous school years for eighth grade students to celebrate their graduation.

The approximately 500-acre site has been put on the market for redevelopment, with Prince George’s County hoping to use the land for a new entertainment destination.

Zimmerman addressed this in the press release. “After reviewing a number of options, we believe that marketing the property for redevelopment will generate the highest value and return on investment,” Zimmerman said. “We anticipate strong interest in the property and will continue to strategically pursue portfolio optimization opportunities as we work to unlock the full value of our portfolio.”

Despite the closure, nearby theme parks that have also been common destinations for MCPS field trips in the past and continue to remain in operation include Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Va., Kings Dominion in Doswell, Va. and Hersheypark in Hershey, Pa.

Freshman Carlyle Tibung recalled one of his visits to Six Flags. “I’d say it’s a pretty thrilling experience. You know, one of the best theme parks I’ve been to.”

Freshman Benjamin Vacatello had similar feelings toward the park. “I would say it was a very fun and interesting experience,” Vacatello said. “I went on several rides. I just had a great time.”

Vacatello was also asked about the effects that the closure had on him. “It makes me kind of sad. You know, it was a pretty big chapter of my life. In some aspects, I just, I really enjoyed the park, and it’s a little bit sad to see it close,” he said.

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