California's Great America to close in 2027 after 50 years

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation announced on Nov. 6 that California's Great America in Santa Clara will permanently close after its 2027 season. The park, which opened in 1976, will operate through Labor Day on Sept. 6, 2027. This closure marks the end of five decades of operation for the Santa Clara attraction.

The decision follows a 2022 sale of the park's property to Prologis, a San Francisco-based real estate company. Prologis paid $310 million for the land and leased it back to the park. The lease agreement is set to expire in mid-2028, with an option to extend through mid-2033. Park manager Dave Vosejpka stated that the park has served as a backdrop for family traditions for more than 50 years.

Also closing is DropZone Waterpark in Perris, Riverside County. StandGuard Aquatics, which managed the attraction, announced the permanent closure after 10 years. The facility opened in 2014 as the Perris-Menifee Valley Aquatic Center before rebranding as DropZone. The company described the decision as difficult but noted that the gates are closing while memories remain.

These closures follow the summer shutdown of Fiesta Village, a 50-year-old theme park in the Inland Empire. Co-owner Michelle O'Brien told SF Gate that the economics of the industry changed dramatically. She said the park reached a point where continuing was no longer sustainable. The shifts in the amusement industry have affected multiple venues across the state.

According to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, California had 25 amusement and theme parks and 22 water parks in 2023. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 110 such establishments in the state that same year. Major parks remaining in the state include Disneyland in Anaheim, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia.

Great America will offer Gold and Prestige passes for its final season. These passes will also grant access to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo. Park officials described the farewell season as an opportunity for Bay Area guests to revisit the attractions. Additional details about the final season are available on the Six Flags website.

Meanwhile, Oakland's Children's Fairyland is receiving $5 million in state funding for upgrades. Mayor Barbara Lee's office announced the funding in September as part of a strategic capital investment plan. The money will go toward infrastructure and accessibility improvements. This investment contrasts with the closures happening in the Bay Area and Inland Empire.