Funtastic Park closing after 27 years is a sign of economic downturn

In what could be an end of an era, the iconic Funtastic Park at the Micronesia Mall is shutting down after nearly three decades of operation. It’s a sign of the times of the economic downturn as the businesses' owner says rising costs of rent and slow business has forced her to close up shop. 

Both Funtastic Park and the adjacent FunFair have been island staples for many families since 1998.  For 27 years, the indoor amusement park has provided thrills and convenience right in the middle of the Fiesta Food Court.  But today, the park is empty of patrons and everything that can go - must go. 

"We’re selling all the small toys, our arcade games, the ball pit and everything," shared owner Lily Wang. She says by next week, she’ll be closing up shop. 

"You know, I’ve been here for 12 years and I poured my everything into here. It’s tough and I’m sad. But I’m okay," she told KUAM News. It was an emotional moment for wangW, who took over the business in 2012. 

Since then, countless memories were made.  From her children to their children, two generations of the Wang family grew up around these familiar rides.

"When I took over, they always play here. Even right now my granddaughters also play here," she said. "She’s very excited to play here. Now when I tell her that we are going to close, she says ‘Why, why?’"

It’s a question customers also have been asking. "Business before is okay, just on and off. Sometimes it’s okay, sometimes not okay. Before I could afford it a little. But after the pandemic, I can’t afford it because the rent keeps going up and the business goes lower. We really cannot afford it," said one patron.

It’s a sign of the times of the economic downturn, with lagging visitor arrivals from the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising cost of goods.  Guam Chamber of Commerce chairman Tae Oh says he’s tracking around 60 companies that have either closed down or lessened operations since the pandemic. 

"I think the signs have been there for a very long time," said Oh. "You probably noticed it. When’s the last time you went down to Tumon Sands Plaza? There’s nothing - there’s barely anything open down there. There’s so many closed businesses and so many shuttered businesses."

KUAM News reached out to Micronesia Mall owner Goodwind Development Corporation for comment.  They were only able to confirm that the main rides belong to the mall and will remain behind. 

As to if a new tenant will take up the lease and continue operations? Only time will tell. In meantime, customers have until the end of April to enjoy the rides and games.