After 94 years of operation, Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, an amusement park in Ocean City, New Jersey, has closed its doors permanently. The park, operated by the family of Ocean City’s mayor, Mayor Jay Gillian, has been a staple for generations of vacationers heading to the Jersey Shore. Unfortunately, financial troubles exacerbated by the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and Superstorm Sandy led to the closure of the park.
Mayor Jay Gillian announced the closure of the park in August, citing the challenges of sustaining Wonderland over the years. The amusement park has been a part of the Gillian family’s legacy since its opening in 1965. Despite efforts to keep the park running, Gillian ultimately decided it was no longer a viable business. The closure marks the end of an era for the family and the community.
Many visitors, like Sheryl Gross, have fond memories of spending time at Wonderland with their families. Gross, who has been visiting the park for decades, recalls bringing her children and now her grandchildren to the park to create happy family memories. The closure of Wonderland will mean the loss of a family-friendly attraction that has been a part of many visitors’ childhoods.
Local non-profit group, Friends of OCNJ History and Culture, is working to raise funds to potentially save the amusement park. The group has raised over $1 million towards the $20 million price tag for the property. The hope is that a new owner could take over and keep the family-friendly legacy of Wonderland alive. The closure of the park will leave a void in Ocean City, a town known for its family-friendly attractions.
The property’s current owner, Icona Resorts, had previously proposed a luxury hotel for the site, but the plans were rejected by the city. CEO Eustace Mita purchased the property in 2021 after the Gillian family faced default on bank loans. Despite efforts to turn the business around, the financial challenges proved too great. Mita did not respond to requests for comment on the closure of Wonderland.
Bill Merritt, a leader of the non-profit group, expressed the sentiment shared by many in the community that Ocean City will be fundamentally different without Wonderland. The closure of the beloved amusement park highlights the challenges faced by small businesses, especially in the wake of natural disasters and economic downturns. The loss of Wonderland represents the end of an era for Ocean City and its residents.
