Six Flags St. Louis (originally Six Flags Over Mid-America) has been a cornerstone of joy for the countless families who have had the privilege of visiting it over the last 55 years. Personally, it's a place that holds a very special place in my heart. I've grown up with the park - it's where I've shared unforgettable moments with the people dearest to me. It's where I got my start in the social media space as the head of a Fright Fest fan page on Instagram, which later evolved into covering the park's year-round offerings.

For many years now, rumors have been swirling that the park's days are coming to a close in one way or another. Recent news of trademark filings from a company by the name of Enchanted Parks Holdings, LLC include an "Enchanted Parks St. Louis" which many have speculated appears to be related to early stages of an upcoming sale by Six Flags. By the time of writing this petition nothing has been announced, and Six Flags St. Louis has been actively censoring comments on social media referring to the rumors. We likely won't know what's happening for months.

The sale or closure of Six Flags St. Louis would mean the death of an icon for the St. Louis metro area and would shatter the opportunity for future generations to create their own cherished memories at the wonderful park that we have come to know and love. Because Six Flags isn't just a theme park; it’s a source of happiness, an economic booster, a treasured part of many of our childhoods. In 2019 alone, the park attracted an estimated 1.3 million visitors, contributing significantly to the local economy by creating jobs and increased patronage for nearby businesses. A sale to a no-name company like Enchanted Parks would likely only hasten the park's downfall as said company strips away what made Six Flags St. Louis special in the first place, and squeezes out every last bit of cash that they can. The long-standing and beloved Warner Bros. IPs like DC and Looney Tunes would be completely gone.

Upon its grand opening on June 5, 1971, Six Flags Over Mid-America was the third and final of the original Six Flags theme parks devised by company founder Angus G. Wynne, following up on the successes of Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags Over Georgia. Just two years later, Wynne suffered a major stroke which led to his eventual death in 1979. To this day, these three parks remain the only ones to be built from the ground up by Six Flags, as throughout the following decades the company would opt to acquire parks rather than build them. He would not live to see his company grow to the juggernaut that it is today, especially in the wake of the 2024 merger with Cedar Fair. The Missouri park is just as much a part of Mr. Wynne's legacy as the Texas and Georgia parks, which have seemingly never been at risk of closure.

It's no secret that for many years, Six Flags St. Louis has been in a state of decline. The last original coaster the park received before 2022's kid-friendly Rookie Racer was American Thunder in 2008, a whole 14 years prior. Yearly expansions throughout the 2010s attempted to bring in guests with largely minor and "cheap" new rides, but the truth of the matter is that the park has not been given the time of day (financially) to truly thrive since the mid-2000s. Entertainment, once a major draw for guests, has dwindled more and more over time. Theming was almost completely sidelined in favor of putting rides wherever they can fit. Maintenance was given a shoestring budget. Special events have like Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park have either been canceled or reduced in size. Buildings sit vacant. But these are things that could be fixed. They should be. The park and its many loyal guests, some of whom have been visiting since opening day, deserve it.

We strongly believe that with the right approach, Six Flags St. Louis can thrive for many years to come as a jewel of the Midwest. By signing this petition, you are advocating for the salvation of a place that means so much to so many of us and supporting the idea that our treasured memories deserve to live on - and even more are waiting to be made.

In light of everything mentioned above, we urge Six Flags Entertainment Corporation to explore new avenues to keep this cherished park open and give it the investment it deserves to bring it back to its former glory. Suggestions include implementing more targeted and competitive marketing strategies, opening new and appealing attractions to increase footfall, enhancing entertainment and theming, and forging partnerships with local and non-local businesses to enhance profitability.

Please sign this petition to help save Six Flags St. Louis and secure its future for generations to come.

If you know someone who loves Six Flags, send this petition their way. Together, we can make a real impact. Use the hashtag #SaveSixFlagsSTL on social media. Let's start a movement.

Here's to the park's 60th anniversary in 2031!

Image credits: St. Louis Magazine (top), Fred Waters/Associated Press (middle) and Coaster101 (bottom)