Gillian's Wonderland Pier on Ocean City, New Jersey boardwalk to close after the 2024 season
The owner, Jay Gillian, said while he's tried to sustain Wonderland for as long as possible, it's no longer a viable business.
OCEAN CITY, New Jersey (WPVI) -- Gillian's Wonderland Pier, an amusement park full of rides and games on the Ocean City, New Jersey boardwalk, will close at the end of the 2024 season.
"I've been coming here my whole life. We bought our tickets for 50 percent off. We do it every season at the beginning of the season," said Michael Pessiki, of Huntington, NY.
The owner, Jay Gillian, announced his retirement and the park's closure on Friday. The adjoining 6th Street Pizza and Grill will also close.
The boardwalk landmark has been in business for the past 94 years, but the time has come for Gillian to embark on a new chapter.
In a letter released Friday, he reminisced about being around the park at the young age of 13.
"Being the ring boy and working with my brother John was one of my best memories. I learned how to fix and operate the rides, and I was taught the business by my father and brothers," he said.
"The 94 years of tradition at Gillian's amusements on the Boardwalk have been cherished by so many people, none more than me," Gillian added. "It's been my life, my legacy and my family. It's sad to let go."
Gillian, who is also the current mayor of Ocean City, said while he's tried to sustain Wonderland for as long as possible, it's no longer a viable business.
"We came out with our kids for one last trip to ride the rides and I'm just, don't know. I have pictures of myself as a kid on the rides, so seeing my children also ride the boats, it's kind of very, very sad," said Kristy Fenton, from Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Gillian said the property itself is no longer his, so he can't speak to its future.
"Thank for all the amazing years and for being such an important part of our journey," he wrote.
Gillian's Wonderland Pier will be open through the weekend of Oct. 12.
