06 January 2024 , 17:07
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An abandoned amusement park in New Jersey that has been abandoned since the pandemic is set to be demolished after being left to rot.
Blackbeard's Cave on Route 9 in Bayville, New Jersey, was active for more than two decades and was much-loved by kids for its swings, rides, rollercoasters, climbing walls, and go-karts but it's soon to be knocked down. Since 2020, the family fun center at the Jersey Shore has been abandoned by thrill-seekers, largely due to the COVID outbreak, turning the decaying structure into an eyesore along the busy highway.
Soon, this entertainment hub will vanish completely, ready to be engulfed by nature. In fact, this process has already begun, as shown by Epic Exploration, a YouTube channel founded in 2022 by two explorer friends. In a video posted last year, the pair navigate through the disowned and "sad-looking" park.
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The state of the miniature golf course paints a vivid picture: golf balls are still wedged in now muddy waterways and abandoned toys litter the ground. Photographs from 2005, spotted in the ticket office, celebrate past hole-in-one champions.
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"Look at the memories here," said the filmmaker. "It's wild to think in a few months, this place is going to be torn down - another lost place." The park is full of old rides and bumper cars that are now still, with trees growing around them and red graffiti giving the place an eerie feel.
One explorer commented: "Crazy, man, this is so sad." They noted: "It's such a shame but also truly amazing all that's left here."
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The hut that acted as the ticket office is now a complete mess (Epic Exploration via YouTube)There are also messy storage units that appear to have been ransacked with papers and stuff like hardware, a lawn mower, and paint cans left behind.- The place that used to be full of fun and laughter is now a mess, with even the old tokens from the rides scattered on the ground.
It has now been revealed that Ocean County is buying about 27 acres of this land for nearly $6 million to keep as open space. The site is next to more than 800 acres of already existing natural lands.
"in essence what we're having is a total connection of a greenbelt," explained Ocean County planning director Anthony Agliata. "Green space, open space where people can walk, enjoy the property, enjoy the natural vegetation."
The current owners of the land now will pay to knock everything down. All the rides and attractions will be taken away. They hope to have the area cleared by late winter or early spring.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]