Last splash: Wild Waves closing for good after 50 years

It’s the last splash at Wild Waves in Federal Way.

The water park is shutting down for good after Labor Day weekend, closing out its 50th and final season.

“A lot of people have been flooding back to the park to relive the memories, make new ones, and say goodbye,” Wes Petree, Wild Waves’ director of sales and marketing, said. “The community has really shown up in support of Wild Waves.”

Wild Waves site slated for 1-million-square-foot warehouse after park closes

Oklahoma-based Premier Parks operates Wild Waves Theme & Water Park. It announced the closure in December, citing rising costs. Petree said the park employs 35 full-time staff and hires 800 to 900 seasonal workers each year.

Documents filed with the city of Federal Way show plans to transform the site into a 1-million-square-foot industrial warehouse. Property owner Jeff Stock told The Federal Way Mirror he considered a hotel or convention center but found little interest and worried about leaving the property vacant.

As for the rides, Petree said some theme park attractions will move to other parks. The water slides will likely “be scrapped or taken to the junkyard,” Petree said.

Wild Waves’ final Fright Fest starts Oct. 2

While the water park shuts down for good after Labor Day, the theme park side isn’t done yet. Booville, a kid-friendly Halloween event, opens Sept. 26. Fright Fest follows on Oct. 2, with haunted houses and scare zones after dark. The park closes for good on Nov. 1.

The park is offering a $69.99 Thrill Pass, which is good for unlimited visits this weekend and all of Fright Fest. The deal ends on Labor Day.

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