California's Beloved Theme Park Cuts Jobs and Shaves Season – Here's the Reason

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Challenges Facing Regional Theme Parks

While major theme park operators continue to attract large crowds, some smaller parks that have been around for decades are facing significant challenges. One such park is California’s Great America, located in Silicon Valley. This 50-year-old park, known for its iconic double-decker merry-go-round, has recently made headlines due to financial struggles and operational changes.

Six Flags Entertainment, the company that manages the park, announced this month that it will lay off 184 seasonal workers in November. This news has raised concerns among longtime fans and industry analysts about the future of the park. The 2025 season was shortened, ending on October 26, compared to previous years when it extended into early January. Additionally, many live entertainment events and seasonal festivals, including Tricks and Treats and Winterfest, were canceled this year.

Martin Lewison, an associate professor of business management at Farmingdale State College and a Six Flags shareholder, expressed concern that these changes could be a sign that the park is nearing the end of its operations. Speculation about the park's closure has been ongoing since 2022, when the land under the park was sold to a San Francisco real estate company. The lease agreement with the previous owner, Cedar Fair, was set to expire in mid-2028, with an option to extend until mid-2033. Cedar Fair had planned to close the park at the end of the lease.

A Six Flags spokesperson stated that the company is considering its options and will share updates once finalized. They also mentioned looking forward to another season at the park in 2026, which will mark its 50th anniversary.

Financial Struggles and Industry Trends

One of the main challenges for Great America and other regional theme parks is rising labor costs. In addition, the weight of company debt has put further pressure on operations. Six Flags filed the required notice for the layoffs as per state law, and while all full-time positions will be retained, seasonal employees can apply for rehire next year.

This is typical for seasonal parks, and the timing aligns with their operating schedule. However, the company has not yet determined how many employees will be needed next year. The San Francisco Chronicle reported on the layoffs, and Great America has already started selling season passes for 2026. The Gold annual pass includes access to Great America and nearby Gilroy Gardens, and for a limited time, it also grants entry to other Six Flags parks like Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Six Flags has faced financial difficulties following its 2024 merger with Cedar Fair. Earlier this month, CEO Richard Zimmerman announced his resignation. He noted that the company’s second-quarter results fell short of expectations, citing poor weather and a challenging consumer environment as contributing factors. The company reported a net loss of $99.6 million in the second quarter, down from a profit of $55.6 million the previous year.

Strategies for Recovery

To regain lost visitors, Six Flags’ chief commercial officer, Christian Dieckmann, outlined a strategy to attract 10 million more guests annually. The focus has shifted toward increasing season pass holders, aiming to make the parks "comfortably crowded" again. By doing so, the company hopes to boost revenues through longer stays, increased food and drink sales, and additional pass purchases.

However, regional theme parks face stiff competition from other forms of entertainment, including video games, sports, and live events. Lewison noted that there are many new distractions available to consumers. Several regional parks have already closed, such as Opryland in Nashville, Six Flags AstroWorld in Houston, and Geauga Lake in Ohio. Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor in Maryland will also close after their final day on November 2.

Unlike major operators like Walt Disney and Universal, regional parks often lack the financial resources to invest billions in new attractions or license popular franchises like Star Wars or Harry Potter. Despite these challenges, Six Flags is making a push to keep up, investing over $1 billion in 2025 and 2026 across its parks.

A Community Favorite

Despite not featuring the latest Pixar-themed rides, Great America continues to hold a special place in the hearts of local families. It offers Planet Snoopy for children and unique attractions like the world’s tallest carousel, Gold Striker, and Flight Deck. For many, it remains a cherished destination.

Jose Aguirre, a 23-year-old from Castro Valley, described Great America as “our Disneyland.” His family enjoys the park’s simple pleasures, from the RideBlazer to the spicy chicken sandwich. For Aguirre, it’s more than just a theme park — it’s a place for creating lasting memories.