A shockwave shot through our region — and the amusement park world in general — when the Nut Tree Family Theme Park, barely two years old, announced its closure this past month. The shock was especially felt because there had not been rumors of a closure, or even financial difficulty, prior to the park’s blunt announcement. The official press release is here: http://www.nuttreeusa.com/pdf/Closure.pdf .
This is a double whammy for those of us who remember the former longstanding Nut Tree Amusement Park. It ran for decades, and was a favorite and heavily-attended stop when traveling between Sacramento and San Francisco on Interstate 80. We were thrilled that it was resurrected in this new form for new generations. The new park was beautifully landscaped, with a relaxing garden area, a terrific family coaster, wide-open (no one-way-only driving required) bumper cars, and a variety of other highly-enjoyable rides that were delightfully themed. Another draw was the permanent farmer’s market with fresh produce and delicious free samples located at the park’s entrance. It was easily one of the best small family amusement park experiences in Northern California, and will be sorely missed–again.
Click on the photo above to go to a photo album of an October 2008 visit to the park.
— Gerry Watt
