OCEAN CITY, N.J. — For generations, the iconic “Giant Wheel” has been a welcoming sight for vacationers approaching Ocean City—a staple of family fun and cherished memories.
Standing at an impressive 140 feet, this landmark has symbolized the arrival at what is often referred to as “America’s Greatest Family Resort.” Known for its family-friendly beaches, vibrant boardwalk filled with pizza and ice cream, Ocean City has been a go-to destination for families.
At the heart of this experience lies Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, a beloved amusement park that has provided entertainment for nearly a century, operated by the family of the town’s mayor. However, the park’s rides fell silent on a somber Sunday night as the financially struggling attraction closed its doors, impacted by ongoing financial difficulties and the lingering consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For 94 years, Gillian’s family has upheld the tradition of offering amusement rides on the Ocean City Boardwalk, with the current iteration of Wonderland opening its gates in 1965. Mayor Jay Gillian expressed his regret in August, stating, “I tried my best to sustain Wonderland for as long as possible, but it’s no longer a viable business.”
Many community members were on hand to bid farewell to the park. Sheryl Gross visited Wonderland for its final day with her family, reminiscing, “I’ve been coming here forever. It’s a place for bonding and creating memories.”
Long lines filled the park as visitors made use of their ride tickets, fully believing Wonderland would continue to be a staple amusement destination. A local non-profit, dedicated to preserving Ocean City’s history and culture, has launched a campaign to save the amusement park, aiming to raise funds to potentially find a new owner willing to invest in its future. So far, over $1 million has been gathered towards what could require a total of $20 million.
Bill Merritt, a leader in the fundraising effort, stressed the importance of the park to Ocean City’s identity. “This town relies on being family-friendly,” he noted, emphasizing that rides like those at Wonderland are crucial to maintaining that reputation.
The current property owner has previously proposed various luxury developments, but community desires remain focused on preserving the amusement park’s legacy. At a recent community meeting, the mayor cited significant financial struggles, attributing the park’s closure to various crises, including the fallout from Superstorm Sandy and the pandemic.
Community members are now united in their hope that Wonderland can be revived, as loss of this cherished attraction would fundamentally alter the atmosphere of Ocean City.
“Cherished memories and history are at stake,” Merritt concluded. “This park is a vital part of the community, and we cannot let that go.”
