Plan to rescue Oakwood revealed as local man makes bid to save park

Pembrokeshire Herald

18-05-2025

A PEMBROKESHIRE resident has launched a bold rescue plan to bring Oakwood Theme Park back to life — just two months after its shock closure was announced.
Oakwood, Wales' largest theme park, closed its doors suddenly on March 4 after four decades of family fun. The site, owned by Spanish firm Aspro Parks, had faced a sharp decline in visitor numbers and growing financial challenges in recent years.
But now, a new proposal has been submitted by a local group known as Richens Leisure Projects (RLP), which aims to restore Oakwood to its former glory and turn it into a flagship attraction once again.
The man behind the bid, who wishes to remain anonymous, said the project is deeply personal. 'I grew up in west Wales,' he told The Herald. 'I remember every queue, every hill climb, every first drop. Oakwood wasn't just a theme park — it was a rite of passage for so many children in Wales. You didn't just go there. You remembered it.'
RLP says its proposal includes a phased investment plan, promising to repair and update ageing infrastructure, reintroduce popular rides, and generate over 100 seasonal jobs in the local economy.
'This isn't about nostalgia — it's about rebuilding pride. It's about giving today's kids the same memories we had, but doing it with proper community backing and long-term thinking,' the group said.
Since its closure, Oakwood has been stripped of several well-known attractions, and the future of the site remains unclear. However, the new bid aims to change that, and discussions with Aspro Parks have been initiated.
'We're not here to pressure anyone,' RLP said. 'We're trying to do things properly and respectfully. But if the park's future is undecided, we're ready to step in. What we've put forward isn't just an idea — it's a fully costed, deliverable plan that can begin immediately if given the green light.'
Asked about funding, the group said it would not disclose specific backers at this stage due to the uncertain ownership position. However, it claims the business case is robust and based on professional financial modelling.
The campaign has already attracted support from local residents, many of whom were shocked by the park's closure. A petition launched just days after the announcement gathered thousands of signatures.
RLP added: 'We've kept this quiet until now, out of respect for the owners and the park's legacy. But the time has come to show people that there is a serious option on the table. This doesn't have to be the end for Oakwood — it can be the start of something new.'
The Herald contacted Aspro Parks for comment but had received no response at the time of going to press.
Background
Oakwood Theme Park first opened in 1987 as a small family attraction before expanding dramatically during the 1990s and early 2000s. It was home to popular rides including Megafobia, Hydro, and Speed, and welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors each year at its peak.
In recent years, however, the park faced growing criticism over ageing infrastructure, rising prices, and the closure of key attractions. In March this year, its owners confirmed that keeping the park open was no longer viable.
Whether the new rescue plan will be accepted remains to be seen — but for many in Pembrokeshire, it offers a glimmer of hope that the thrills and laughter of Oakwood might one day return.