Gillian’s Wonderland Pier in Ocean City, NJ shut its doors for good yesterday. The pier had been in business since 1929, but because of issues maintaining the boardwalk, they were forced to shut things down. The mayor of Ocean City and former owner, Jay Gillian said it was no longer a feasible business.
Things were set to close at 6 p.m. Sunday until officials decided to grant an extra hour to those wanting to soak up the final moments of their beloved park. According to visitors, the park was as busy as it has been in years.
Some of these parkgoers took the time to talk to ABC 6 Philadelphia. Donna Sadeghi from Avondale, Pennsylvania said, “Everyone’s having a great time but at the same time, we’re feeling a little sad too, because we know it was the last Ferris wheel ride. It was the last time on Raiders. I remember that when I was a kid. Just the last time. It’s been a little emotional.”
A citizen of Mayfair, Pennsylvania Mike Felicione said, “The kids always loved it here. I loved it when I was a kid…It’s just very sad that they’re closing this place because I have a lot of fond memories from when I was a kid. My dad used to bring us here as far back as the ’60s.”
And “It’s bittersweet. We’re just excited we could be here on the last day and experience it before it closes but we’ve had a lot of great memories here,” said Ashley Callaghan from Ocean City, NJ.
There are plans for what’s next for the boardwalk, but some major changes are expected. Reports say that these plans will be released publicly in the spring.
