Federal Way, WA. - Wild Waves water park in Federal Way is permanently closing after 50 seasons. Park management said millions of dollars in financial losses after post-COVID-19 reopenings and unsustainable operating costs led to the decision.
Following the closure, the water park will be demolished and converted into a 1-million-square-foot industrial warehouse, a development plan that has drawn controversy among community members. In response to the planned shutdown, local supporters organized a public petition that gathered more than 1,000 signatures to save the park.
Wes Petree, director of sales at Wild Waves, spoke about the park’s long-standing impact on the community as visitors filled the venue during its final season. “You know, we’ve got five decades of families that are coming, flooding into the park to celebrate,” Petree said.
He noted the deep ties many staff members and guests built over the years. “So many people just grew up in this industry here, and now it’s coming to an end,” Petree said.
Parkgoers returned to the water park to revisit personal milestones tied to the location. Jonathan Thomas, a longtime park visitor, shared how he met his partner earlier this summer. “We actually met here on the 4th of July. And so, in a weird way, if Wild Waves wasn’t closing, I wouldn’t have met her,” Thomas said.
Spending time with family and other guests on the final day, he reflected on the site’s future appearance. “What is it going to look like when we drive by? We are always going to look back at space and have regret. It’s like how many seasons that I have not come here,” Thomas said, adding, “I’m just happy to be here spending it with all of these folks right here.”
Other guests shared similar sentiments about visiting the park for the last time.
Victoria Yerabek, who visited the park on its final day, noted her reaction to the closure. “It’s surprising and sad. Really sad,” Yerabek said.
Johnathan, who attended with his family, recalled his long history with the venue.
“It feels like such a nostalgic place for me, and I’m going to be pretty sad they’re shutting it down,” Johnathan said. Elijah, who also visited with family, described the news’s personal impact. “I have that feeling in my body like, man, it sucks. I don’t want this to be the last time,” Elijah said.
Aaron, another park visitor present for the final day, sought to make the most of the occasion. “I’m looking forward to cherishing that and looking forward to feeling some water one last time,” Aaron said.
The rest of the park property will remain open for the remainder of its operating season, which ends Nov. 1.
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