Rising costs force beloved amusement park to make toughest decision after 50 years

A beloved California amusement park is preparing to close its gates for good after more than 50 years of family memories, birthday parties and first dates.

Fiesta Village Family Fun Park in Colton is permanently closing after its final public operating days on July 10 and 11 — and it's thanking generations of guests who made the attraction part of their family traditions.

"After more than 50 years of serving the Inland Empire, Fiesta Village Family Fun Park will be closing its doors," the park wrote in a message shared on social media and its website.

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"This decision has not been easy. For decades, Fiesta Village has been a place where families gathered, friendships grew and memories were made."

The family-owned attraction first opened in 1974 and has been operated by Michelle and Patrick O'Brien since 2002, reports noted. 

Over the years, the park expanded beyond its original mini-golf courses, go-karts and water slides to include amusement rides, laser tag and a roller skating rink.

Co-owner Michelle O'Brien told SFGATE that rising operating costs and declining attendance ultimately made it impossible to keep the park open.

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"The economics of the amusement park industry and what we're doing have changed dramatically," O'Brien told the outlet. "We've just reached a point where continuing simply wasn't sustainable."

The owners also told SFGATE they had hoped to find a buyer willing to keep Fiesta Village operating but were unable to do so. Patrick O'Brien said there was "just no interest."

Fox News Digital reached out to Fiesta Village Family Fun Park for comment.

The announcement prompted an outpouring of memories online from former visitors who recalled growing up at the park.

"We used to take field trips there," one Reddit user wrote.

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"I wonder how many people had first dates there? I did a couple of times," another commenter said. 

"Remember going to the arcade/batting cages/miniature golf with my uncle when I was a kid. And my daughter just went there for an end-of-school trip. Sad to see it go," one user added.

In its farewell message, Fiesta Village invited families to return one last time before the attraction closes.

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"We invite you to bring your family and friends to celebrate Fiesta Village one last time, to laugh, play and create one final memory together," the park said.

"Thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives and your family traditions. We will always cherish the role Fiesta Village has played in bringing people together."