For almost four decades, the largest theme park in Wales has been the go-to destination for school trips and family days.
From adrenaline-pumping roller coasters for sensational seekers to pedalos perfect for a sunny day, Oakwood in Pembrokeshire had something exciting for everyone.
And in the past 20 years, Gaggles of children who flocked to the park tested the determination of their friends by telling them on muted tones about a tragic accident on another school trip many years ago.
Everyone heard these stories grow up about some place – but in the case of Oakwood it was true. Because in 2004 the 16-year-old Hayley Williams was tragically killed after 100 ft of the top of the Hydro ride, and a 10-year-old boy was also injured in the accident.
The ride was later renamed as 'penetrated' – but warnings about the roller coaster were passed on by each generation of school children who visited in the summer.
In 2008, Oakwood Leisure received a fine of £ 250,000 and ordered £ 80,000 to pay due to the tragedy when it was revealed that basic safety procedures were large -scale ignored by personnel who supervised the ride.
The company said it has been investing more than £ 25 million since the park that year was saved from closure – but now a staple from West Wales has finally reached its end after many ups and downs.
Haunting photos show the empty theme park while being closed, completely dismantled with the soaked and bouncing coasters.
Spooky photos show the empty theme park, with the pirate ship ride partially dismantled
The Nietje van West Wales has finally reached its end after many ups and downs
Colorful toy planes that used to swing around in a circle with delighted children who were in it were depicted in a row on the ground
Remains of roller coaster tracks are spread over the park
The partially dismantled dizzy disc ride is depicted while the park is being removed
Oakwood had trips for everyone, including toy taxis in a mini london for children to explore
The pirate ship ride is taken apart and part of the track is removed from Tree Tops Ride.
The pedalos are removed from the water when the attraction is closed, photos shared with hidden Pembrokeshire – Gareth Davies Photography Illustrate.
Colorful toy planes that used to swing around in a circle with delighted children who were in it were depicted in a row on the floor.
The crestfallen locals put signed signs outside, with reading 'We Love Oakwood' and 'Don't just leave the journeys'. Others read 'Save Oakwood' and 'Open those gates'.
Nostalgic people have responded to social media to say that they have been 'stripped' and said it is 'sad that the park was left behind'.
A parent said: “Very sad, many happy days on our vacation with our children.”
The park, which was opened in 1987, was originally owned by William McNamara – a Pembrokeshire -Boer.
The park, which was opened in 1987, was originally owned by William McNamara – a Pembrokeshire -Boer. Oakwood is shown on the left as a ghost city after the closure
Displayed is the current state of Oakwood -themapark
Speed: No boundaries were the fastest roller coaster in Wales
The pirate ship ride is depicted in the background between the rubble
On the left is one of the pirates near the pirate ship. Depicted on the right is the abandonment speed
Snake River Falls had different water slides for those who hate the air to be thrown
The abandoned turns in the park are depicted
The journeys had something for everyone, from the creepy caterpillar to speed
The Snake River Falls Ride is one of that still has to be removed
Depicted is the boat part of the pirate ship, which was part of the Neverland area for younger visitors to enjoy
The park had a 'sights of London' for children to explore and jump in taxis for a ride
He then opened a staple of the entertainment industry of the Graafschap – Bluestone Water Park – and sold Oakwood to the Spanish leisure in 2008 gigantic Aspro.
Richard, 48, from Pembroke Dock, joined Oakwood in 1995 and his father and two sons all worked at the attraction.
He worked in the park when the world -famous roller coaster Megafobia was installed in 1996, and he told the BBC that he remembers that he thought how impressive it was.
When Aspro took over, Richard stayed in, but was released in 2009, after 14 years of working there. He said he thinks Astro has “underestimated the scale of maintaining the park.
The closure made him feel 'emotionally', but he intends to have a reunion of the staff this summer.
He said that his father, who was still working in the park recently, would say: “We only had so many people today,” or they had to “close this ride because they didn't have enough staff.”
Aspro Parks, the owner and operator of Oakwood, said that it has made the 'difficult decision' to close the park due to financial challenges caused by rising costs and falling visitor numbers.
Are depicted some of the abandoned journeys at Oakwood
Vertigo hung sensation-seekers from the top through a cord before they swing them back and forth
The crestfallen locals have placed plates outside, with the text 'We Love Oakwood' and 'Don't just leave the journeys'. Others read 'Save Oakwood' and 'Open those gates'
Some journeys have already been dismantled, but others take on more work
Shown are some of the wateries in the expired theme park
One of the most popular journeys were Treetops, where visitors were thrown through the trees and were woven around them at high speeds
Hayley Williams 16, 100 ft fell to her death of the Hydro Ride in Oakwood Theme Park in 2004
The ride was later renamed as 'penetrated' – but warnings were passed on to each generation of school children who visited in the summer
A spokesperson for the Aspro Parks Group announced the closure, said: 'We have never closed a park or attraction throughout the history of Aspro.
'We, and our dedicated team of staff, have strived to overcome countless challenges to continue to bring families and visitors to the region and the country.
'Unfortunately we could no longer see a sustainable path and we will try to improve our other parks with the help of the assets and where possible team elsewhere.
'We are aware that Oakwood has been a popular destination for generations and a transitional ritual for many young visitors.
'It is for this reason that we feel such a sense of sorrow.
'We want to make our sincere thanks to the dedication and dedication of our team members past and present, suppliers and contractors who have loyally supported us and of course all those who have visited Oakwood -Themapark over the years. We are genuinely grateful. '
