After the Fun - Rodanthe’s Abandoned Amusement Park

Photo Walks

Aug 12

*Waterfall Park, Rodanthe, North Carolina*

Just up the road from us on Hatteras Island stands the remnants of an old amusement park. Nearly 20 years ago when we first started visiting the island regularly, the park was full of life - flowing waterslides, towering bungee jumps, and speeding go-carts. I remember walking to the park to ride go-carts after dinner one night and the laughter and thrill of the fun.

Built in 1980, the park declined in popularity in the late 2000s and was eventually abandoned in 2010. In 2011, Hurricane Irene caused considerable damages and the park has been left to Mother Nature. I've heard that there have been offers to buy the land and legal action threatened against the owners, but it year after year, the park remains left to crumble.

After so many years of just passing by, I decided to stop and photograph the scene. I'm not one for hopping fences or violating no trespassing signs, so these were all taken from the parking lot areas surrounding the park.

In a way, I find the scenes oddly beautiful and nostalgic, despite the eyesore that it seems to be as you're driving by. When you take a moment to study and observe the way that life is growing all throughout the ruins, it becomes fascinating. I’m left to wonder, how long would it take for Mother Nature to win this battle?