Jobaaj Stories
Oakwood Theme Park Closes After Nearly 40 Years
Wales' largest theme park, Oakwood Theme Park in Pembrokeshire, has closed its gates after almost four decades of operation. The announcement, made on March 4th, 2024, shocked many, leaving a void in the Welsh tourism landscape and raising questions about the future of the site. This article explores the reasons behind the closure and its impact.
Financial Challenges and Declining Visitor Numbers
Aspro Parks, the Spanish leisure operator owning Oakwood, cited rising costs and dwindling visitor numbers as the primary reasons for the closure. Despite a significant investment of over £25 million since rescuing the park from potential closure in 2008 – including a recent £1.5 million refurbishment of the popular Megafobia wooden rollercoaster – the park’s financial performance proved unsustainable. Factors like inflation, increased energy costs, and rising National Living Wage contributed to the challenging economic environment.
A History Marked by Tragedy and Triumph
Oakwood's history is a mixture of highs and lows. The park enjoyed immense popularity for years, becoming a beloved destination for families across Wales and beyond, particularly those from Ireland who frequented the park through packages from Rosslare Europort. However, the 2004 tragedy involving the Hydro ride (later renamed Drenched and subsequently demolished) cast a long shadow. While an inquest ruled out unlawful killing, the incident resulted in substantial fines and highlighted safety concerns. The park also faced a more recent incident in 2022 involving a fall from the Treetops rollercoaster. This closure marks a significant loss for the Pembrokeshire community and Welsh tourism as a whole.
The Impact of Closure
The closure has left many employees facing job losses, adding to the economic impact on Pembrokeshire. First Minister Eluned Morgan expressed deep sadness, highlighting the pressures on the tourism and hospitality industry. The park’s future, including the fate of its rides and the land itself, remains uncertain. While Aspro Parks stated that they will seek to utilize assets and team members elsewhere, the immediate future is fraught with uncertainty. This closure stands as a powerful example of the tough decisions facing many businesses in the current climate.
A Lasting Legacy
Despite its closure, Oakwood Theme Park leaves a lasting legacy. For many, it holds cherished childhood memories and represents a significant part of Wales' tourism history. The park’s contribution to the local economy and its impact on generations of visitors will not be easily forgotten.
