Inside abandoned theme park with ‘UK’s best log flume’ people begged to reopen

It was once an iconic theme park with mega roller coasters where unforgettable memories were forged for the people of Derbyshire. 

For two decades, The American Adventure saw crowds flock in their thousands for the ultimate day out until it closed in 2006.

Locals even dubbed the attraction’s log flume the ‘best in the UK’.

In recent times, the site where the park once stood has been transformed into a new housing development. 

But for more than 10 years, it was eerily abandoned.

Most of the popular rides were slowly dismantled one-by-one and either sold off or transported to other parks around the world.

What remained, however, was left to go to wrack and ruin.

Images also showed what The American Adventure looked like at its peak.

Despite being consigned to an inevitable fate, it didn’t stop people from campaigning to bring it back to former glory.

Fans loved it so much that a petition was launched and it achieved in excess of 11,000 signatures – more than the 10,000 number required for the government to issue a response.

Declan Salmon, who started the petition, said at the time: ‘The American Adventure was my and quite possibly a lot of peoples childhood. 

‘Nightmare Niagara was the best log flume in the UK at one time but it got demolished in the 2000s.’

He added: ‘Me and my friend have come up with a new design and plan for the return of The American Adventure Theme Park with modern roller coasters and attractions.

‘So sign this petition and let’s see if we can get The American Adventure Theme Park Back open for business with brand new attractions and coasters.’

Many punters agreed, including one who wrote: ‘We have nothing around here for the people to enjoy. Bring back my childhood so others can enjoy it too.’

Another said: ‘I loved American Adventure when I was a kid and we have nowhere close for our younger generation without travelling far.’

After opening in 1987, the park near Heanor was a thriving attraction, however it slowly declined and was sold to different companies in its latter years before its eventual closure.

It no longer became viable due to dwindling visitor numbers and financial difficulties. 

And alas, The American Adventure was no more.

Whether it ever returns in some form in a different location one day remains to be seen.

But it was certainly a popular theme park in its heyday – and is fondly remembered by those in Derbyshire, as well as many who visited from further afield. 

Another abandoned theme park in Lancashire could soon reopen again after 25 years.

Meanwhile, a once hugely popular theme park in Spain has been frozen in time with no guests, but staff still turn up to work there.

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