Six Flags America and its attached Hurricane Harbor water park in Bowie, Prince George’s County, Maryland, will close their gates for the final time on November 2, 2025, marking the end of an era for a beloved regional amusement park. The announcement, made by Six Flags Entertainment Corporation on May 1, 2025, cites the park’s misalignment with the company’s long-term strategic growth plan. The 500-acre property will be marketed for redevelopment, with commercial real estate firm CBRE tasked with overseeing the sale. As the D.C. region’s largest amusement park prepares to shutter, local leaders and residents are grappling with the loss of a community staple while eyeing opportunities for economic revitalization.
A Difficult Decision with Local Impact
Six Flags America, which opened its 2025 season on April 21, has been a fixture in Prince George’s County for decades, drawing families, thrill-seekers, and summer job-seekers alike. The park employs approximately 70 full-time staff, with additional seasonal workers, and has served as a hub for entertainment and economic activity. The decision to close, as articulated by Six Flags President and CEO Richard Zimmerman, was not made lightly. “This was a difficult decision, and we recognize the impact it will have on our Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor park associates and guests,” Zimmerman said in a statement. Eligible employees will receive severance and benefits, and 2025 season passes and tickets will be honored through the park’s final day.
Acting Prince George’s County Executive Tara Jackson expressed sorrow over the closure, calling the park “a cherished part of our county’s identity, a source of joy for families, and a hub of economic activity.” County Councilmember Krystal Oriadha echoed this sentiment, describing the closure as the “end of an era” but also a chance to shape the site’s future. The announcement has sparked a mix of nostalgia and concern, particularly for the loss of jobs and recreational options in a region now left without a major theme park.
A History of Community Engagement and Challenges
Six Flags America has long been more than just a place for roller coasters like the Firebird, which WTOP described in 2019 as a thrilling ride with “loops, helixes, and fire.” The park has played a significant role in Prince George’s County’s community fabric. During the COVID-19 pandemic, its parking lot served as a mass vaccination site from February to July 2021, administering nearly 340,000 doses at its peak. In August 2021, Six Flags donated 4,000 free admission tickets to incentivize vaccinations, demonstrating its commitment to public health.
However, the park has not been without challenges. In September 2021, multiple fights and acts of vandalism during the park’s Fright Fest event led to an early closure and shortened hours, prompting collaboration with Prince George’s County Police to enhance security. Despite these incidents, the park remained a vital employer, offering up to 1,500 seasonal jobs in 2021 with benefits like scholarships and free tickets for employees’ families.
Analysis: Economic and Social Implications
Economic Impact and Redevelopment Potential
The closure of Six Flags America represents a significant economic blow to Prince George’s County, particularly for the 70 full-time employees and hundreds of seasonal workers who rely on the park for income. The loss of a major attraction could also reduce tourism-related revenue for local businesses, such as restaurants and hotels, that benefit from the park’s visitors. Social media posts on X reflect this concern, with one user lamenting the loss of “jobs, entertainment options, and summer water park fun” for the D.C. and Maryland region.
Yet, the 500-acre property’s redevelopment offers a silver lining. Six Flags’ engagement of CBRE signals a strategic move to maximize the site’s value, potentially attracting developers for housing, retail, or mixed-use projects. Prince George’s County leaders are already mobilizing to ensure community input in the process. Acting County Executive Jackson emphasized collaboration with stakeholders to support “jobs, growth, and long-term community benefit,” while Councilmember Oriadha vowed to advocate for “high-quality development that meets the needs of our community, creates jobs, and enhances our local economy.”
The site’s proximity to major highways, like Maryland Route 202 and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, enhances its appeal for redevelopment. Recent county investments, including $500 million in public funding for infrastructure upgrades in the corridor, have already sparked $2 billion in private development, suggesting strong potential for economic revitalization. The closure aligns with broader regional shifts, such as discussions about the future of Northwest Stadium in Landover following the Washington Commanders’ potential move to D.C., which could further reshape the county’s economic landscape.
Social and Cultural Loss
Beyond economics, Six Flags America’s closure marks a cultural loss for Prince George’s County. The park has been a rite of passage for generations of families, offering affordable entertainment and a sense of community pride. Its absence leaves a void in recreational options, particularly for youth seeking summer activities. As one X user noted, “Scores of kids just lost their summer activity,” highlighting the park’s role as a safe, engaging space for young people.
The closure also raises questions about access to amusement parks in the region. With Six Flags America gone, the nearest major theme parks are Busch Gardens in Virginia or Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, both over two hours away. This distance could disproportionately affect lower-income families who relied on Six Flags America’s relatively accessible location and pricing, including free tickets distributed through community programs.
Strategic Context for Six Flags
Six Flags’ decision reflects a broader trend among amusement park operators to streamline portfolios and focus on high-performing assets. The company’s statement that Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor are not a “strategic fit” suggests a shift toward parks with greater profitability or alignment with resort or entertainment-driven models, as hinted at in an X post questioning the viability of non-resort theme parks. Six Flags’ recent merger with Cedar Fair, forming a $8 billion amusement park giant, may have accelerated this portfolio optimization, prioritizing investments in flagship properties like Six Flags Magic Mountain or Cedar Point.
The decision to close rather than sell the park as an operating entity indicates that Six Flags sees greater value in the land itself, estimated at 500 acres, than in its continued operation. This move aligns with industry trends, as seen in the closure of smaller regional parks unable to compete with destination resorts like Disney or Universal. However, it risks alienating loyal customers and damaging the Six Flags brand in the D.C. market, where no immediate replacement park is planned.
Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Future
As Six Flags America prepares for its final season, Prince George’s County faces a pivotal moment. The closure is a challenge but also an opportunity to reimagine a significant parcel of land in a way that serves the community’s long-term needs. Local leaders, buoyed by recent successes in attracting development, are poised to guide the process with transparency and inclusivity. Residents, too, will play a critical role in shaping the site’s future, whether through public forums or advocacy for projects that prioritize affordable housing, green spaces, or job creation.
For now, Six Flags America’s roller coasters and water slides will continue to thrill visitors through November 2, 2025, offering one last summer of memories. As the park’s gates close, the focus will shift to what comes next—a redevelopment that could redefine Prince George’s County’s economic and cultural landscape for generations to come.
Sources: WTOP News, Southern Maryland News Net, WJLA, X posts
