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Carrollton's Sandy Lake closes its gates after entertaining families for decades

"Thousands of teenagers had their first job at the park. Adults and retirees have supported their families while filling a variety of park positions. Many former employees are and will always be dear friends of the owners and coworkers," the park announced on Facebook.

Sandy Lake Amusement Park was in business for 48 years before it was recently sold and closed.

Sandy Lake Amusement Park was in business for 48 years before it was recently sold and closed.(Sandy Lake Amusement Park)

It's the end of an era for a family-owned entertainment center in Carrollton, as Sandy Lake Amusement Park has shut its doors forever after nearly five decades.

The amusement park's owners have sold the property and it won't reopen, a Facebook post announced Wednesday.

"Thousands of teenagers had their first job at the park. Adults and retirees have supported their families while filling a variety of park positions. Many former employees are and will always be dear friends of the owners and coworkers," the Facebook post read.

The park had been owned by a family with a long history in the business.



"We've had company picnics, family reunions, birthdays, all kinds of things," park co-owner Suzy Self told KXAS-TV (Channel 5).

The park's new owner, Southwest Landscaping, plans to use the space for storage of trees and plants, Self told NBC5.

The move sparked a mournful reaction on Facebook.

Sandy Lake Amusement Park entertained several generations of families for nearly 50 years.

Sandy Lake Amusement Park entertained several generations of families for nearly 50 years.(Facebook/Sandy Lake Amusement Park)

"Noooo my girls will never get to experience this wonderful place," Brandie Jones Hamilton lamented. "So sad."

The park was a routine part of many families' lives, another comment read.

"I know of 4 generations of my family that had enjoyed the park," Michelle Walker wrote. "This is really sad."

The swimming pool at the site dates to the 1930s, according to the park's closure announcement, but the "popularity of the park really blossomed in 1971 when the amusement rides, picnic grounds, and other attractions were added."

Self said she'll miss the impact Sandy Lake had on children the most.

"The man that drove the train for so many years, his favorite thing to say was, 'Before we get this train going, lean over and give the person next to you a hug,'" Self told NBC5.

Sandy Lake Amusement Park is family owned and operated. As a rule, when you get exceptional service from a business, the owner is right there on the job. Proprietors Vickie and Frank Rush and Suzy and Tom Self combine a lifetime of service and dedication to the amusement business.

The Rush family established Craterville Park in 1923 near Lawton, Oklahoma. The current owners represent the third generation of "hands on" managers. Since purchasing Sandy Lake in 1971, the park and the family have been recognized nationally as operating one of the finest "traditional" American parks.

"Our children and grandchildren represent the fourth and fifth generations that are involved in the family business," say the park owners, "and we want park guests to enjoy a fun, safe and affordable experience, just like the rest of our family would expect".

The park is designed with a variety of entertainment while providing a place to get together for fellowship, not lost in a crowd. The Sandy Lake Park family offers just the right combination of location, professional services, and great food to make your group outing something truly special.

We have a long standing tradition of staying involved within our community. Events are planned with regular frequency to get folks out and having fun. Please accept our invitation to be a part of one of our Upcoming Events.