Gillian’s Wonderland Pier In Ocean City To Close Permanently
After nearly a century of bringing joy to families on the Ocean City Boardwalk, Gillian’s Wonderland Pier is set to close its doors.
Jay Gillian, who has been at the helm of the beloved amusement park, announced his retirement and the closure of both Gillian’s Wonderland Pier and 6th Street Pizza and Grill after 47 years of dedication to the family business.
Gillian’s Wonderland Pier In Ocean City To Close Permanently
In a heartfelt message to the community posted on Faceobook, Jay Gillian shared the bittersweet decision to retire, marking the end of an era for one of Ocean City’s most iconic attractions.
“The memories I’ve made with my family and the joy of meeting so many wonderful team members and guests will always hold a special place in my heart,” Gillian expressed.
Gillian’s Wonderland Pier has been a staple on the Boardwalk for 94 years, with its colorful rides and family-friendly atmosphere drawing countless visitors across generations.
The amusement park has become synonymous with Ocean City’s charm, and its closure marks a significant moment in the town’s history.
Jay Gillian’s connection to the park began at a young age. At just 13, he was already involved in the day-to-day operations, learning the ropes by helping fix rides and working alongside his brother John.
“I started at just age 13, bringing Walt Tucker tools to fix the rides,” he reminisced. “Being the ring boy and working with my brother John was one of my best memories.”
Also See:
The amusement park has been a family affair from the beginning, with Gillian’s father and brothers teaching him the business.
Over the years, Gillian took on the mantle of running the park, becoming a jack-of-all-trades and working long hours to keep the legacy alive. “I’ve been blessed to have that opportunity,” he noted.
Despite his best efforts, the challenges of maintaining Wonderland Pier have grown increasingly difficult, and the decision to close was not made lightly.
Gillian acknowledged the tough circumstances, stating, “I tried my best to sustain Wonderland for as long as possible – through increasingly difficult challenges each year. But it’s no longer a viable business.”
Gillian’s Wonderland Pier and 6th Street Pizza will remain open through Indian Summer Weekend, giving visitors one last chance to enjoy the rides and use up their tickets. After that, the multi-year lease will be terminated, and the future of the property remains uncertain.
“The property itself is no longer mine, so I can’t speak to its future,” Gillian shared. “But I’ll always have a lifetime of priceless memories, and I hope you will too.”
As Ocean City prepares to say goodbye to Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, the community will hold onto the memories made at this cherished landmark. The legacy of fun, family, and tradition that Gillian’s Wonderland Pier represents will live on in the hearts of all who visited over the years.
You can check out our sunset video of Ocean City below. Before you watch please subscribe as we try to hit 100,000 subscribers (less than 3,000 away)