Federal Way theme and water park announces its final season, cites rising costs
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Wild Waves will operate a final season from May 23 to Nov 1, 2026, then close.
- Premier Parks attributes closure to rising costs and multimillion-dollar losses.
- Park will honor 2026 passes and event bookings while owners eye future redevelopment.
Fans of a regional theme and water park have just one more season to visit the attraction.
Wild Waves Theme Park’s final season launches May 23, 2026. The park will close to the public permanently on Nov. 1, 2026, according to a news release issued Dec. 10.
The site’s operator blamed rising operational costs.
Oklahoma City-based Premier Parks runs the Federal Way attraction. Jeff Stock of EPI Realty Holdings, Inc. owns the land.
“We are thankful for our guests, team members, and the community of Federal Way for supporting Wild Waves and creating so many thrills and great memories with families and friends,” said Kieran Burke, president and owner of Premier Parks in the release. “Unfortunately, the rising cost of ongoing operations since reopening after the COVID shutdown has generated millions in losses, which forces us to discontinue operations at the end of our 2026 season.”
The site, which features both theme park and water park attractions, opened in 1977, and employs approximately 35 full-time and 800 seasonal team members, according to the release.
The park says it will honor all previously purchased 2026 group events, season passes and ticket packages for the final season.
“Wild Waves will be open for business beginning in May with our thrilling rides, refreshing water park fun throughout the summer, and our popular Fright Fest Halloween celebration,” Burke said in a statement. “In its final year of operation, the park will celebrate the memories, nostalgia, and family fun with themed events and special promotions.”
Jeff Stock, owner of the property and longtime partner of Premier Parks, also noted the park’s legacy.
“I am grateful for my longstanding partnership with Premier Parks and appreciate their dedication to delivering a full and successful final season for our guests and community,” he said in the release.
“We recognize the deep history and emotional connection many residents have with the park, and we are committed to ensuring a respectful transition while planning a project that will bring meaningful, lasting benefits to the area,” Stock added. “Plans for the site are currently in preliminary stages, with goals beneficial to the city and surrounding areas. Additional details will be released as the project moves through planning and community review processes.”
No further details were immediately available. The property owners in 2023 pursued amending a development agreement with the city of Federal Way to gain more options for the site regarding future hotel or warehouse development.
Keith Niven is community development director for the City of Federal Way. He told The News Tribune in response to questions in May 2024 that “no applications (had been) submitted for Wild Waves since the council approved the amendment to their concomitant agreement.”
On Wednesday, he responded that nothing “yet” had been submitted in terms of redevelopment following the park’s announcement.
For updates on operating hours, the 2026 event calendar, and additional information, go to wildwaves.com.
This story was originally published December 11, 2025 at 5:15 AM.
