This Iconic Theme Park Is Shutting Down After 27 Years—but Not for the Reason You Think
A beloved Florida theme park that thrived for nearly three decades has closed its gates forever for a reason that few parkgoers ever would have predicted. Despite the business still going strong, the attractions are set to disappear as completely new plans for the property move forward. Here is the surprising reason behind the decision.
Why Andretti Thrill Park Is Closing After 27 Years
Made it back to the Andretti Thrill Park in Melbourne for the spinning coaster credit (and some batting cage time ⚾️) pic.twitter.com/1V8feIcExP
— Andrew · Park Rovers (@ParkRovers) November 11, 2023
Opened in 1999 by the NASCAR driver John Andretti, nephew of the iconic Mario Andretti, Melbourne, Florida's Andretti Thrill Park attracted families for 27 years. It offered a variety of attractions, including go-karts, laser tag, mini golf, paddle boats, an arcade and more, according to TripAdvisor.
All of those attractions will soon vanish, as demolition could begin within three or four weeks, according to what the property's owner revealed in a recent interview. That is being done so the 16.7-acre property that the park called home for almost three decades can be redeveloped.
While talking to The Space Coast Rocket, owner Eddie Hamann explained the park was shut down to make room for badly needed housing due to Florida's booming population. “With how quickly Melbourne and Palm Bay are growing, housing is one of the biggest needs right now."
A proposal on the NPR Group's website detailed the plans the development company has for the property. It intends to build a "multifamily community” on the site that will include 324 units across 11 three-story apartment buildings. It is estimated that construction could begin as early as May 1, 2026, and be completed by March 6, 2028.
The Space Coast Rocket's article about their interview with Hamann revealed who the property's owner expects to live in the planned units. He predicted the residents to be a mix of local workers and students from the nearby Florida Institute of Technology.