Gillian's Wonderland Pier, a beloved amusement park in Ocean City, New Jersey, is set to close its doors for good this fall. The announcement was made by owner Jay Gillian, who is also the mayor of Ocean City. Gillian stated that the 94-year-old park is no longer a viable business, marking the end of an era for the iconic family attraction.
The park, which has been in Gillian's family for nearly a century, has been a staple of Ocean City's boardwalk and a cherished destination for multiple generations. However, the future of the site remains uncertain. The property is owned by Eustace Mita, who partnered with Gillian a few years ago after the park defaulted on millions of dollars in loans. Mita's company, ICONA Resorts, owns upscale hotels in Avalon, Cape May, and Diamond Beach.
According to NBC New York, Mita proposed a $150 million beachfront hotel for a property adjacent to Wonderland Pier last year. However, the proposal faced opposition and was ultimately abandoned. Mita has stated that his company will take until the end of the year to evaluate what's best for the landmark site.
Despite the park's impending closure, some believe that it could still be successful under different ownership. Ocean City Councilmember Jody Levchuk expressed optimism about the park's potential, stating, "I think that there is opportunity, for sure, to keep it as an amusement park."
The closure of Gillian's Wonderland Pier marks a significant change for Ocean City's boardwalk. The park's Ferris wheel has been a notable part of the city's skyline, and its closure has sparked concerns about the future of the site. Many locals and visitors alike hope that whatever replaces the park will continue to be a family-friendly attraction.