Clementon Park For Sale
Historic 119-year-old Clementon Park closes its gates again and is put up for sale.
Anonymous
Key Points
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Clementon Park was founded by New Jersey Assemblyman and Civil War veteran Theodore B. Gibbs and his sons; a 1920s expansion introduced state-of-the-art rides, but a 1931 fire nearly destroyed the park.
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During a period of decline from the 1940s through the 1960s, the park grounds were used for dance performances and boxing matches, reflecting the site’s changing role over its history.
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Before reopening in June 2021, IB Parks & Entertainment made repairs and improvements to the park after purchasing it, following nearly two years of closure.
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The park thanked visitors and supporters for “the memories, the support and five wonderful seasons,” saying it was “truly grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey.”
Clementon Park & Splash World, a 119-year-old amusement park in South Jersey, will close after the 2026 season and be put up for sale, according to NJ Biz. The 52-acre attraction, founded in 1907, has faced repeated financial troubles — it closed after a 2019 foreclosure, was bought by Chicago-based IB Parks & Entertainment for $2.37 million in 2021, and reopened that summer. Owners did not disclose why they are selling or provide a sale price, but said they hope a buyer will preserve the park's history.
The park's closure marks its second shutdown in seven years. Its attractions include the Hellcat and Dragon coasters, a Ferris wheel, and water slides from the Splash World section. The park thanked visitors for
From Trolley Destination to Regional Icon
Clementon Park began in 1907 as a trolley park built near the end of a transit line. New Jersey Assemblyman Theodore B. Gibbs and his sons founded it to attract weekend riders and provide recreation for Philadelphia-area residents. A 1920s expansion brought state-of-the-art rides. A devastating 1931 fire nearly destroyed the park but did not end its operation.
The park evolved beyond amusement rides during decades of decline from the 1940s through 1960s. Its grounds hosted dance performances and boxing matches, reflecting how the site adapted to changing entertainment demands. These shifts show how old amusement parks transformed their purpose to survive changing markets and visitor interests.
A Troubled Ownership Pattern Signals Systemic Risk
Clementon Park's repeated closures reveal deeper problems than a single bad year. The park defaulted on loans and closed in 2019. IB Parks & Entertainment acquired it at foreclosure for $2.37 million in 2021 and invested in repairs. The park reopened in June 2021 and operated for five seasons before this announcement, according to Courier-Post.
The pattern suggests that ownership changes alone cannot fix the park's core challenges. Saving the site requires more than historical appeal — it needs sustainable operations, reliable capital investment, and a clear strategy to attract families in a competitive entertainment market. Without these elements, future owners may face the same pressures that led to closure.
A 52-Acre Legacy Awaits Its Next Owner
The park covers 52 acres and includes aging amusement infrastructure alongside its water park operations. Attractions like the Dragon and Hellcat coasters, Ferris wheel, and multiple water slides represent decades of capital investment. The Daily Journal reports that the park's final day for the 2026 season is set, though details about reopening in 2027 remain unclear.
IB Parks & Entertainment said it hopes to find a buyer who will honor the park's 119-year history. The owners expressed gratitude for
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