Water park that has been a Northwest staple for five decades is closing

Wild Waves Theme & Water Park in Federal Way, Washington, will open its gates for one final season Saturday before closing permanently after nearly 50 years of operation.

The decision to shut down one of the Pacific Northwest’s long-running summer attractions, which sits about 25 miles south of Seattle and about 8 miles north of Tacoma, comes after years of financial strain, according to park leadership.

“Since the closing during COVID, we’ve sustained millions of dollars in losses, and that contributed to the factor, plus all the rising operational costs,” Westin Petree, director of sales and marketing for Wild Waves, said this week on KIRO-FM’s “Seattle’s Morning News,” My Northwest reports.

Located along Interstate 5, the park was founded in 1977 by Byron and May Betts as Enchanted Village. In 1984, it expanded with the addition of the Wild Waves water park, transforming it into a full-scale combined amusement and water park destination.

“It’s been a staple in the community forever,” Petree said.

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Despite the park’s impending last splash, officials say they are still planning a full slate of programming for the final season. The park will open Saturday at 11 a.m. and remain afloat through November before closing for good with the return of its popular Fright Fest Halloween event, an annual attraction featuring haunted houses and seasonal activities.

“It’s mixed emotions this year for all of us,” Petree said about the closure. “It’s exciting, and it’s also a bummer.”

Other scheduled events include dive-in movies for kids every Thursday from July through August, foam parties for both children and adults and 21-and-over after-hours events. A Hispanic cultural festival is also planned later in the summer.

“We’ve got something for everyone this season,” Petree said.

Even as the park prepares for its final months, uncertainty remains about what will become of the sprawling property once operations end.

“I have no idea,” Petree said when asked what would become of the land. “I’m not involved in decision-making on that, but I would love to know as well.”

Petree said he is now focused on encouraging longtime visitors to return one last time and relive decades of summer memories at the park.

“Come catch the wave one more time. We’re still here,” he said. “Come relive the memories and make new ones while we’re still here.”

Season passes for the final season are now available for $75.99 and come with added perks, including three complimentary guest tickets, free parking and discounts throughout the park.

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