Go Karts Set to Close at Funfields

[themagician]

I noticed on the Funfields park map that it states that the Go Karts are set to close in Feburary 2024. My assumption is they are being closed permantley and we could see new attractions built here in the future. However, do the go karts usually close earlier or maybe they are doing some work to them? 

 

[Jobe]

1 hour ago, themagician said:

I noticed on the Funfields park map that it states that the Go Karts are set to close in Feburary 2024. My assumption is they are being closed permantley and we could see new attractions built here in the future. However, do the go karts usually close earlier or maybe they are doing some work to them? 

 

My assumption is that if they are announcing this on their map, then for mine the Go karts are gone for good. They certainly do occupy a decent parcel of land and whilst I do not expect a coaster announcement, it would be great for this park to install a new themed area with 2-3 new family thrill flat rides. This park needs to balance out its dry attraction offerings and this would go a long way in addressing that.

[TBoy]

8 hours ago, themagician said:

I noticed on the Funfields park map that it states that the Go Karts are set to close in Feburary 2024.

If true, hopefully something better than them can replace it. When I went in Feb this year they were running very slow as they were speed controlled. I would be happy if a flat or two replace it, the more thrilling the better.

Also looks like the golfing has been quietly removed and replaced by a picnic area.

Edited November 15, 2023 by TBoy

[wikiverse]

I think the most disappointing thing about this news is that @themagician missed an opportunity to title this thread: "Go Karts to become Stop Karts at Funfields"

[DaptoFunlandGuy]

I have no inside knowledge, but looking at that park map, my thoughts would be to see a slide tower of some sort go in that gap, rather than flats. 

[themagician]

I believe in an interview or article (might have been on ParkChat), Funfields indicated that there focus was more on water slides. They indicated that when the weather isn't nice in Victoria, people don't go outside, but when it is nice (and hot) they mostly ride the water slides, so to meet that demand from their guests, that's where they put their focus.

[DaptoFunlandGuy]

It's been pointed out to me elsewhere that the city of whittlesea has published a building approval for demolition of the go karts to accommodate a proposed lazy river and dodgem cars. application was submitted 19/5 and approved 18/7.

[WalleyWorld]

On Friday Funfields announced through their social media channels that the official last operating day of the Thunderdome Go Karts will be today (Sunday 25th Feb 2024). There is approx. 20 operating days left for the 23/24 season. It'll be interesting to see how the crowds fare, without the go karts, during the Victoria labour day weekend and Easter school holidays.

Smart move by the park to retire an old, space-hogging, low-capacity attraction. And bring in 2x new timeless and family-friendly themepark/waterpark attractions, that will have a more flexible height/age restrictions than the go-karts (ultimately catering to a broader audience). Together, these new rides will should boost capacity significantly.

https://www.facebook.com/Funfields/posts/pfbid02ZBVb5UhRqsBrwCKZTmyikBzzvzBZingevhF72YgpTWSCxs5EPaAQ6qcg7mDbtixxl

Edited February 25 by WalleyWorld

[DaptoFunlandGuy]

It's ok - if you love the gokarts, I heard they're headed west, so you'll still be able to ride them if you travel back in time 2 hours and 20 years by visiting Perth.

[themagician]

Just came across this video from Mitty Theme Parks showing the land has already been demolished to make way for the lazy river and dodgems. I believe the park is now closed for the cooler season, so we probably want see anything until the area is complete when the park reopens.