**Oakwood Theme Park Faces Backlash as Owner Strips Rides Amid Closure**
People in Wales have expressed their frustration and disappointment as Oakwood theme park in Pembrokeshire undergoes the dismantling of its iconic rides while facing imminent closure. The owner of the park, Aspro, has been removing some of the main attractions and relocating them to its other leisure parks across Europe, leaving many in the local community feeling aggrieved.
Recently, images have surfaced online showing the deconstruction of popular rides like the Drenched watercoaster, previously known as Hydro, which was known for being “Europe’s fastest and wettest watercoaster.” This ride held significance as the location where a tragic incident occurred in 2004, leading to the death of a teenager. Additionally, the Bounce ride, which underwent a £400,000 refurbishment just two years ago, has also been taken apart despite reopening in 2022.
In a statement addressing the closure of Oakwood, Aspro mentioned plans to utilise the park’s assets in its other locations without specifying the exact destination for the rides. With leisure parks and attractions spread across ten countries, including water parks, family attractions, zoos, and aquariums, Aspro has a widespread presence in the leisure industry.
Originally established by William McNamara in 1987, Oakwood theme park experienced growth over the years, introducing popular rides such as Megafobia and Vertigo in the 1990s, followed by Hydro and Speed in the early 2000s. Aspro acquired Oakwood in 2008 and has now cited economic challenges and increased operational costs as reasons for the closure, leading to the relocation of assets.
While acknowledging the historical significance and emotional connection people have with Oakwood, Aspro highlighted its efforts in investing over £25 million since taking over the park to enhance the visitor experience. Despite these endeavours, the park’s sustainability has come into question, prompting the decision to shut down operations and reallocate resources.
The news of Oakwood’s closure has deeply impacted the local community, with many expressing sadness over the loss of a longstanding attraction that has been a hallmark of Pembrokeshire tourism for decades. First Minister Eluned Morgan MS reflected on the closure, emphasising its significance as a key employer and tourist destination in the region.
Criticism from readers and visitors has been directed towards Aspro for what they perceive as neglecting the park’s infrastructure and failing to introduce new attractions, leading to a decline in footfall and overall visitor experience over the years. The sentiment shared by many is one of nostalgia for the park’s past glory and concern for the future of leisure and tourism in the area.
As Oakwood theme park prepares to cease operations, the legacy it leaves behind is bittersweet, marking the end of an era for a beloved Welsh attraction. The closure serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of leisure and entertainment industries, where economic challenges and changing consumer preferences can impact even the most cherished venues.