Oakwood

[Mark9]

13 hours ago, Inferno said:

It feels to me like the publics expectations of a theme park has changed. It seems that, aside from family parks, the appeal of a small regional park is fading away. The idea of a smaller day out now is less attractive, whereas the likes of Disneyland Paris etc are thriving.

I think a lot of people would rather save up and go on a bigger trip, rather than have lots of smaller days out like we all used to. It’s certainly true of me at least.

 

Interesting times.

 

I think this is definitely the problem for most parks. Unless you are a big name like Efteling, Cedar Point or Europa Park, the last five years have been especially tough.

 

I don't find it that unexpected that Oakwood is permanently closed though. The writing has been on the wall probably since the Hydro death in 2004. It's been on a downward spiral ever since and hasn't really ever recovered. It's turned into a dive over the last decade and the only bright spot really has been the megafobia retrack. What a shame for that ride and Speed though. Hopefully something can be done to save Megafobia in particular but it's going to be a difficult one. 

[Benin]

I'd imagine the incidents on Bounce & Treetops also didn't help. Towers just about clung onto its reputation after Smiler, Oakwood having more incidents after Hydro was never going to help.

[planenut]

Sad news, and as has been said, such a shame for those relying on it for employment, though seasonal

From where I am in West London, such a long way over there.

Though the park was appearing run down over the last four years, after "Meggies" refurb there was hope.

With neighbouring entertainments, ironically created by the same original owner, for some that would be a better location.

Megafobia is a great coaster.