Photo: kali9 / E+ / Getty Images
Thunder Island, a popular water park located in Fulton, New York, will not open for the 2025 season. The park announced its closure on its official Facebook page, expressing regret and citing "high hopes for the 2026 season." No specific reason was provided for the closure, leaving many visitors and local residents in the dark about the park's future plans.
This marks the second closure in less than four years for Thunder Island. The park previously closed in August 2021 after the tragic death of its co-owner, Ron Falise, in a tractor accident on the property. Following that incident, Shane and Gale LaBeef purchased the park for $2 million in 2022 and reopened it that summer. The couple has not offered further details on the current closure.
Thunder Island, which first opened in 1979, features a variety of attractions, including eight water slides, five pools, go-kart rides, a zipline, and a miniature golf course. The park has been a staple in the community for decades, attracting families and tourists alike.
As reported by CNY Central, the park's management is asking for patience from the public and plans to provide more information when available. The closure has left locals wondering if the park will indeed reopen in 2026, as suggested by the owners.