This one is tough for me to swallow. I’m 36 years old. When I was born, Astroworld was a year old. I can remember going there as far back as when I was 5 or 6 years old.
As long as I’ve been in Houston, it’s been here. I’ve been to birthday parties, church outings, school trips and just summer trips to the theme park. Now, it’s closing?
This from the Houston Chronicle…
The 37-year-old amusement park south of the Reliant Complex will be sold to reduce the debt load of Six Flags, which has put itself up for sale after a key investor pressured it to boost its stock price.
Six Flags also cited disputes over parking rights with Reliant Stadium and the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo a one reason for the decision.
Development in this area has surged in the past year with the completion of the light rail line and the southward spread of the Medical Center.
“In assessing the performance of this property relative to the significant increase in real estate values in the Houston market, we concluded that the best way to unlock this value for shareholders was to pursue a sale of the property,” said Kieran Burke, chairman and CEO of Six Flags, in a statement.
Well, thank God they are saving Splash Town! (that was sarcasm, son)
I understand that development has really taken over in that area. It makes sense with Reliant Stadium and the light rail. I definitely understand the parking hassles that come up. It can be a nightmare over there.
But, it is such a landmark. I mean, no more Runaway Rickshaw. No more Texas Cyclone. No more crappy overpriced souveniers…ok, that can go. You get my point.
I actually interviewed for and got a job there when I was in high school, but turned it down because I got a job sacking groceries closer to home before I got the call from the Astroworld folks.
I will definitely miss that place even though I’ve only been there a handful of times in the past 15 years. Maybe I’ll go one last time just to get a t-shirt and to say I rode the Cyclone before it closed down.
Adios, Astrowold. Houston won’t be the same without you.