After enamouring visitors for more than 80 years, the Shell Factory in North Fort Myers is finally going to shut down.
The countdown for the closure of the popular Florida attraction has begun. In its Facebook page the Shell Factory stated that the park will operate for the last time on Sept. 20-22 and Sept. 27-29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
After 80 Years, Shell Factory in North Fort Myers to Close
The Shell Factory is not limited to shells and offers varied pieces of entertainment and fun. Spread across18 acres, the park features a videogame arcade, a zip line, a petting farm, huge gift store, miniature golf, a nature park, a restaurant, paddle boats, and a whole lot more.
It is also home for about 350 exotic animals which include goats, iguanas, alpacas, porcupines, lemurs, peacocks, and alligators.
Owner of the Park, Pam Cronin in a statement said,
“This has been an incredibly hard decision, as the Shell Factory has been a huge part of our community and my life. We are so proud of the countless joyous experiences shared here—whether aboard bumper boats, in our nature park, at the mini-golf course, or within our shops and restaurants.”
The post added that the upkeep of the 86 year old property was becoming very costly and the venture was no longer economically viable.
The park is also taking measures to relocate the 400+ animals who live at the park. The Park also asked visitors to share their memories captured at the Shell Factory on the company’s Facebook page.
The property was bought by Tom Cronin in 1997 when it was under foreclosure. It is by his efforts that the park was transformed into a much sought-after destination for locals, seasonal residents and tourists. Cronin along with his wife Pam pumped funds and made numerous upgrades which included creation of the Nature Park and an animal rescue. He also founded the Nature Park Environmental Education Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization
The Park had many trying moments which included hurricanes, fires, and financial challenges. However, the costly maintenance of the sprawling facility finally forced the owners to close the facility permanently.
The closure of the facility has left many of its fans in despair and they have conveyed their feelings on social media.
Savannah Noelle Lambert said
“So sad. This was my grandma’s favourite place to take her grandkids when we came to visit her, before she passed away.”
Selma Reynolds said
“It will be truly missed, I take my family every time in town, and we have enjoyed all the events, throughout the year.”
Nicole Deere Jordan stated,
“I pray someone buys it and keeps it alive!! North Fort Myers will have nothing left in this town and that is heartbreaking!! Drive In – gone. Bowling Alley – gone. Roller Skate rink – gone. Now the shell factory.”
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