New Jersey - Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, an iconic and beloved amusement park on Ocean City, New Jersey’s boardwalk, is set to close its doors permanently at the end of the 2024 season. This marks the conclusion of a 94-year legacy that has entertained and delighted generations of families and visitors.
The history of Gillian’s Wonderland Pier dates back to 1929, when it was founded by David Gillian, who had first arrived in Ocean City in 1914. Initially, David worked in various entertainment venues, including the Hippodrome, Ocean City’s largest pier at the time. Following a devastating fire in 1927 that destroyed the Hippodrome, David saw an opportunity to open his own amusement park. The original “Fun Deck” featured a Ferris wheel and a carousel, both of which quickly became iconic symbols of family fun along the Jersey Shore.
As the years passed, the park expanded and evolved under the stewardship of the Gillian family. In 1965, David’s son, Roy Gillian, opened what became known as Wonderland Pier at its current location on 6th Street. This new venture quickly established itself as a cornerstone of Ocean City’s boardwalk culture. One of its most recognizable attractions, the Giant Wheel, was added in 1989, towering 144 feet above the boardwalk and offering breathtaking views of the shore. Over the years, the park introduced other popular rides, including the Canyon Falls Log Flume in 1992, which became a favorite for cooling off on hot summer days.
Despite its historical significance and enduring popularity, Gillian’s Wonderland Pier has faced increasing financial challenges in recent years. The park struggled with mounting debts, and in January 2021, it narrowly avoided a sheriff’s auction after defaulting on an $8 million mortgage. These financial difficulties, coupled with the changing dynamics of the amusement park industry, ultimately led to the decision to close.
Jay Gillian, the current owner and grandson of the founder, announced the closure, expressing his deep sadness over the decision. “I tried my best to sustain Wonderland for as long as possible – through increasingly difficult challenges each year. But it’s no longer a viable business,” he said. After working at the park for 47 years, starting at the age of 13, Jay Gillian is retiring, bringing an end to a significant chapter in Ocean City’s history.
The park will remain open until the end of the 2024 season, with its final weekend coinciding with Ocean City’s Indian Summer Weekend in October. This will give visitors one last chance to enjoy the rides and attractions that have been a part of so many cherished memories. The future of the property remains uncertain, as Jay Gillian no longer owns the site and has not commented on potential redevelopment plans.
The closure of Gillian’s Wonderland Pier represents not just the end of a family business, but the conclusion of a significant era in Ocean City’s storied history. The amusement park has been a cherished destination for generations, symbolizing fun, family, and tradition.
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