A 119-year-old amusement park has closed – but is looking for a new buyer
New Jersey’s historic Clementon Park and Splash World has permanently closed following the conclusion of its 2026 season on September 7, with ownership now seeking a buyer to take over the property.
The site originally opened in 1907 as a trolley park situated at the end of a transit line. The venue was founded by state Assembly member Theodore B. Gibbs and his sons, remaining independently owned by local families until it was sold to a private amusement operator in 2007, as reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Over its long operating history, the venue survived a major fire in 1931 that nearly destroyed the grounds. Various management groups expanded the property over the following decade by adding thrill rides, roller coasters, children’s attractions and a 23,000-square-foot wave pool. It remained under family ownership until 1977, as reported by CBS affiliate WKRC.
Chicago-based IB Parks & Entertainment later acquired the property for roughly $2.37 million at a foreclosure auction in 2021, following a brief closure by previous operators in 2019. Clementon Park is one of five amusement properties owned by the company, a group that includes West Berlin’s Sahara Sam’s.
After five operating seasons under current ownership, the team opted to shut down operations and place the site on the market. It is not yet clear who might step forward to buy the property.
“It has been a privilege to care for a place that has meant so much to generations of families,” the Clementon Park & Splash World Team stated on its website. “We are hopeful that we will find a buyer who shares our love for Clementon Park and will carry its history and legacy forward.”
The 52-acre amusement and water park footprint featured attractions including the Hellcat wooden roller coaster, King Neptune’s Revenge log ride and the Dragon Coaster. The park also previously housed the Jack Rabbit, a state-of-the-art wooden coaster that opened in 1919 and operated for 83 years until closing in 2002.
The park’s administration indicated that further details regarding the sale process will be disclosed as they develop, concluding with a note of gratitude to everyone who participated in the journey over the last five seasons.
