Thursday, March 28, 2024
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Clementon Park and Splash World Bought by former Six Flags execs

Clementon, NJ  – Clementon Park and Splash World has been acquired by an investor group led by former Six Flags executives Kieran Burke and Gary Story. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“We are excited about the opportunity to enhance the entertainment value of this historic park that has always enjoyed a strong group outing business and local market visitation,” said Burke. “Clementon Park and Splash World offers guests quality family entertainment, close to home and at an affordable price.”

“While exploring the opportunity to acquire Clementon Park and Splash World, we were impressed by the park’s loyal customer base and the densely-populated South Jersey/Philadelphia area that surrounds the park”, commented Burke. “Having operated for 104 years, the park has entertained generations of families and we hope to continue that tradition as well as attract new visitors to the park.”

Clementon Park and Splash World has been revitalized in recent years with the addition of four major new attractions. The park enjoys a reputation for service, cleanliness and affordability. Staying on board to lead the park’s continued development and progress is David Dorman, Vice President and General Manager and Marjorie Ford, the park’s longtime Group Sales Manager.

Burke and Story, who respectively served as Six Flags’ Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer for more than 10 years, have remained active in the attractions industry carefully selecting projects that can benefit from their experience and a focused investment of both time and resources. In 2009, they acquired Nashville Shores, a water park, marina and RV resort in Nashville, TN and in 2010 purchased Ocean Breeze Water Park in Virginia Beach, VA.

The new owners are planning improvements to Clementon Park and Splash World for the 2012 season which will be announced at a later date. Discussions are underway but specific plans are not yet available.

Clementon Park and Splash World, located in Clementon, NJ, is among the oldest operating parks in the country and has been operating since 1907. Founded by NJ Assemblyman Theodore Gibbs as a simple swimming operation on Clementon Lake, the property steadily grew by offering rides, attractions and a water park. Recent additions include Laguna Kahuna, a five-story, one-acre Polynesian water play land; Ring of Fire, a thrilling 60-foot looping coaster; Thunder Drop featuring a 100-foot free fall; and Torpedo Rush, the world’s tallest dueling trap door speed slides. Today the park boasts 17 rides, a vibrant midway and 7 major water park attractions and hosts hundreds of group outings each season.

Martin Palicki
Martin Palicki
Martin Palicki owns and publishes InPark Magazine. Started in 2004, InPark Magazine provides owners and operators the perspective from "in"side the "park." Martin has also written for publications like Sound & Communications, Lighting & Sound America, Attractions Management and others. Martin has been featured in Time Magazine, CNN.com and Folio. Martin lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

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