We, the undersigned, respectfully urge decision-makers to halt the permanent closure of Wild Waves Theme & Water Park and to actively pursue a sale or transfer of operations — specifically calling on Six Flags Entertainment Corporation to reacquire, invest in, and operate Wild Waves, preserving this vital community institution.

 

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WHY THIS MATTERS

 

For nearly 50 years, Wild Waves Theme & Water Park has been a cornerstone of the Puget Sound and Northern Washington community. Since its beginnings as Enchanted Village in 1977, the park has served generations of families as an affordable, accessible, and uniquely regional place for recreation, employment, and shared memories.

 

Wild Waves is not simply an amusement park. It is:

 

• A first job for thousands of local teenagers and young adults

• A summer tradition for families across King and Pierce counties

• A regional destination unlike any other in Washington State

• A cultural landmark woven into the identity of Federal Way

 

Its closure would represent the loss of the only major combined theme and water park in Washington, leaving an irreplaceable void in regional recreation and tourism.

 

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WHY SIX FLAGS

 

Six Flags is uniquely positioned to preserve Wild Waves:

 

• Six Flags previously owned and operated the park, demonstrating historical knowledge of the property and market

• The company has proven operational expertise in running regional amusement parks profitably

• Six Flags possesses the capital, infrastructure, and branding power necessary to revitalize Wild Waves

• Reacquisition would restore a strategic Pacific Northwest presence for Six Flags, a region currently underserved by major theme park operators

 

We believe Wild Waves, under experienced stewardship, can once again thrive as a sustainable regional destination.

 

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COMMUNITY IMPACT

 

Economic Impact

• Wild Waves has historically employed hundreds of seasonal workers each year, providing critical early job experience for local youth.

• The park generates tourism traffic, supporting nearby restaurants, hotels, hotels, and small businesses.

• Group events, school trips, and family outings contribute to the local economy throughout the operating season.

 

Social and Cultural Impact

• Families across multiple generations share memories of birthdays, graduations, school trips, and summers spent together at the park.

• Wild Waves provides a safe, inclusive space for recreation at a time when affordable family entertainment options are increasingly rare.

• Its presence helps define Federal Way as a destination, not merely a pass-through city.

 

Loss Without Public Input

• The announcement of closure came without meaningful public consultation or transparent exploration of alternative ownership or operational models.

• No public plan has been presented that demonstrates how replacement development would provide equal or greater benefit to the community.

 

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OUR REQUEST

 

We respectfully call on Six Flags, current ownership, and local government to:

 1. Pause the permanent closure of Wild Waves

 2. Enter into good-faith discussions with Six Flags regarding purchase or operational transfer

 3. Engage the community through public hearings or forums

 4. Explore alternative solutions, including but not limited to:

• Sale to Six Flags or another experienced amusement park operator

• Public-private partnerships

• Phased redevelopment that preserves core attractions

• Cooperative or nonprofit operational structures

 5. Ensure that any future use of the property provides equivalent or greater community benefit

 

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OUR MESSAGE

 

Wild Waves has survived ownership changes, economic downturns, and nearly half a century of evolving entertainment trends. Its value cannot be measured by profit margins alone.

 

Once this park is gone, it is gone forever.

 

We urge Six Flags and all stakeholders to recognize that Wild Waves represents not just land or infrastructure, but shared history, opportunity, and identity for generations of Washington families.

 

Why is this important?

 

1. This is Washington’s only combined theme and water park

Wild Waves is the last remaining park of its kind in the state. Its closure would leave millions of residents without any comparable regional destination for affordable family recreation. Once the land is redeveloped, this kind of park cannot be recreated.

 

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2. Wild Waves is a shared cultural landmark, not just a business

For nearly 50 years, generations of families have grown up with Wild Waves. Parents who once visited as kids now bring their own children. This petition protects community memory, tradition, and identity — things that do not show up on a balance sheet but matter deeply to a region.

 

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3. The decision was made without meaningful community input

The closure announcement came without public hearings, community forums, or transparent exploration of alternatives. This petition gives the community a collective voice and demands a seat at the table before an irreversible decision is finalized.

 

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4. Hundreds of local jobs are at stake

Wild Waves has long provided first jobs and seasonal employment for local youth. Losing the park means fewer entry-level opportunities, less workforce development, and fewer economic stepping stones for young people in the region.

 

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5. The economic ripple effect extends beyond the park gates

Visitors support nearby restaurants, hotels, gas stations, and small businesses. Closing Wild Waves removes a seasonal economic engine that benefits the surrounding area — particularly during summer months.

 

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6. There are viable alternatives that have not been fully explored

This petition is not asking for the impossible. It calls for:

 • A pause on closure

 • Exploration of new ownership, including Six Flags

 • Public-private partnerships

 • Community-inclusive planning

 

These are realistic options that deserve serious consideration before permanent closure.

 

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7. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever

Amusement parks require specialized infrastructure, zoning, and decades of incremental development. If Wild Waves closes and the land is repurposed, Washington will likely never see another park like it again.