An era of local fun is coming to an end in the Inland Empire. A familiar entertainment staple in Colton has announced it will shut down operations for good. After 52 years of operation, Fiesta Village Family Fun Park in Colton is permanently closing. The park will host its final public operating days on Friday, July 10th and Saturday, July 11th.
The decision to close follows a broader trend affecting independent entertainment venues across the country. Rising operating costs and declining attendance ultimately left the business with no other viable options. “The economics of the amusement park industry and what we’re doing have changed dramatically,” said Michelle O’Brien, one of the park’s co-owners, in an interview with SFGATE.
The theme park sector is experiencing a flat year nationwide. Even major brands have noticed slight dips in attendance, leading some to offer ticket discounts to attract more local visitors.
Over five decades of local history
The Colton landmark first opened its doors to the public in 1974. It began as a modest outdoor recreation spot featuring a mini-golf course, go-karts, and waterslides. The current ownership group took over management 24 years ago in 2002. Over the decades, they consistently updated the grounds to keep pace with changing trends, adding several popular features:
- Classic amusement rides including the Scrambler and Tilt-a-Whirl
- An indoor laser tag arena
- A roller skating rink
The park grew into a recognizable piece of the local community’s story, providing first jobs for thousands of local teenagers and a reliable gathering place for area families. Management issued a statement thanking their employees, vendors, and regular guests for their decades of loyalty and support. The community has one final opportunity to visit the park this weekend.
