Fantasy Island Could Open Its Doors Again By The 4th of July

In case you missed it a few days ago, there was very hopeful news for Fantasy Island and the potential of it reopening again. The park officially shuttered in February of 2020, on almost no notice, and the park on Grand Island, NY has remained closed since.

Chicago investor Gene Staples is negotiating with Store Capital Real Estate Investment Trust Co. of Scottsdale, Arizona for a long-term lease to take over the now-defunct amusement park, and reopen it. But you may be surprised just how quickly things are progressing in getting the park open again.

WGRZ is reporting that Staples is in talks with Erie County and New York State to reopen the park and that this is not a one-year investment; it would take a "tremendous" amount of work to be done.

Staples is hoping to move quickly enough to get the waterpark open by the 4th of July. So far, the negotiations have been productive with Grand Island, county, and state. Staples also said they're seeking incentives to save Fantasy Island. He recently bought a theme park in Indiana and South New Jersey and is now looking to save Fantasy Island.

"Based on what we discussed the day, we're right there, so we anticipate coming to terms really quickly, pressing forward, and like I said, hopefully having the waterpark open by the Fourth of July," said Staples.

WGRZ reports Staples is very close to purchasing the property. The hope is to have the amusement park section of the park back open next summer.

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Unfortunately, a lot of work will need to be done with the park. The rides have been mostly stripped and vandalism has decimated the grounds since last winter. But it looks like Fantasy Island will be opening again soon and hopefully can return to its former self in the not-so-distant future. So many Western New York'ers were disappointed when it closed, but it's great to see so many people eager to save it.