ROCK-A-HOOLA WATERPARKLocation: San Bernardino County, CA
Accessibility: Easy Created: 1950s |
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To date, there are over 400 amusement parks in the world. Top contenders, such as Disneyland, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and Universal Studios continue to expand on a global level and consistently garner high attendance. Around the world, however, are abandoned amusement parks sprinkled across the land. Sought after for photography, filming locations, and urban exploration, a handful of these ghost attractions and more popular closed than they were opened. Nara Dreamland in Japan, Land of Oz in North Carolina, and Prupat Amusement Park in Chernobyl are prominent examples of fun intentions falling flat due to extraordinary circumstances. Sans catastrophic events, other amusements parks could never find their footing, and eventually closed. Competition in Southern California fierce, investors are hard-pressed to find a new following of attendees for amusement parks in a state already riddled with the most popular amusement parks in the world. However, some have fervently tried.
Located under the unrelenting Mojave desert sun in Newberry springs, lie the ruins of what was once known as “The Fun Spot of the Desert.” Originally built in the 1950s by local businessman, Bob Byer, the park was constructed for intermediate family use only. Named Lake Dolores after Byer’s wife Dolores Byers, the man-made lake encompassed 273 acres. In 1962, Byer opened the property as a watering role for off-road motorcyclists and tourists traveling between L.A. and Vegas.
Over the next two decades, attractions and rides were added including the “Zip-Cord” and “Big Bopper”. A seemingly refreshing way to spend an afternoon of family fun in the scorching desert, Lake Dolores reached peak popularity in the 1980s. Shortly thereafter, however, the demise of the park began. Upgrading attractions, adding an arcade, and bumper cars were not enough to drive in visitors. Eventually, the park was sold and went through a handful of owners and was renamed Rock-A-Hoola Waterpark and Discovery Waterpark. A final nail in the coffin for the financial burden of the amusement park was when an employee was injured riding a waterslide after hours. After a settlement in court, Rock-a-Hoola never recovered. Once bursting with floaties, snow cones, sunscreen, and bathing suits, Rock-A-Hoola now sits in ruins. Join us as we explore this waterpark without the crowds, working rides… and water.
Located under the unrelenting Mojave desert sun in Newberry springs, lie the ruins of what was once known as “The Fun Spot of the Desert.” Originally built in the 1950s by local businessman, Bob Byer, the park was constructed for intermediate family use only. Named Lake Dolores after Byer’s wife Dolores Byers, the man-made lake encompassed 273 acres. In 1962, Byer opened the property as a watering role for off-road motorcyclists and tourists traveling between L.A. and Vegas.
Over the next two decades, attractions and rides were added including the “Zip-Cord” and “Big Bopper”. A seemingly refreshing way to spend an afternoon of family fun in the scorching desert, Lake Dolores reached peak popularity in the 1980s. Shortly thereafter, however, the demise of the park began. Upgrading attractions, adding an arcade, and bumper cars were not enough to drive in visitors. Eventually, the park was sold and went through a handful of owners and was renamed Rock-A-Hoola Waterpark and Discovery Waterpark. A final nail in the coffin for the financial burden of the amusement park was when an employee was injured riding a waterslide after hours. After a settlement in court, Rock-a-Hoola never recovered. Once bursting with floaties, snow cones, sunscreen, and bathing suits, Rock-A-Hoola now sits in ruins. Join us as we explore this waterpark without the crowds, working rides… and water.