One Of The Areas Favorite Amusement Parks Maybe Gone Forever

Now that the kids are on their way to be done with school and the warmer weather has finally started to arrive in Western New York and Southern Ontario, folks all over the region are going to be starting to look for things to do with their time.

From summer camps to quick vacations, the amount of time we have to enjoy the fun and sun that we get here in the golden horseshoe, it's important to make sure you make the most of the weather. Given that fact, there are sure to be several things that you want to have on your to do list this summer.

However, there is one family favorite place that has left decades of good memories in our hearts that has closed down and may never open up again.

The Future of Marineland In Niagara Falls Looks Bleak

Sitting on more than 1,000 acres of land and entertaining families for more than 6-decades, Marineland of Canada opened in 1961. Created by John Holer and his company Holer Family Amusements, the theme park had more than 4,000 sea and land animals and dozens of rides and attractions for both kids and adults that entertained people for generations.

I, like many people who grew up and lived in Western New York, spent many days over the summer at Marineland while having the songs commercial jingle stuck in our head.

However, those who were thinking about visiting the sprawling amusement park this summer are in for a surprise as the park may not open after several controversies have led to it losing its license.

Over the last few years, more than a dozen Orca Whales had died at the facility in Niagara Falls, Ontario, and according to CBC News, the company still lacks the permits it needs to import new animals after its whales died. That is in addition to the Black Bears that died, which led to the company pleading guilty to animal cruelty charges.

As of the end of May, the theme park was planning a late June opening but that may be in serious jeopardy as continued operations at the facility may not be possible if they cannot acquire the permits they need. CBC noted in its reporting that even the parks main phone number was disconnected.