An abandoned water park where Hollywood classics such as Tarzan and Creature from the Black Lagoon were filmed has been left overgrown and...
An abandoned water park where Hollywood classics such as Tarzan and Creature from the Black Lagoon were filmed has been left overgrown and dilapidated.
Haunting pictures show the huge slides with leaves now running down them rather than water, the empty pools where nature has taken over and kids play areas.
Other striking shots show the turnstiles people would have once been going through, a lonely rubber ring floating on filthy water and brightly painted buildings.
The eerie photographs were taken at Wild Waters Water Park in Silver Springs, Florida, by an urban explorer known as Abandoned Southeast.
Wild Waters was built in 1978 by ABC Television and the water park was one of the first in the South. There were shady picnic areas, a snack bar, gift shop, and an open-air fast food counter.
Wild Waters quickly became a favorite Florida tourist destination. The water park helped nearby Ocala to prosper from tourists for many years until Orlando became the primary Florida tourist destination due to Disney World and other major attractions.
In 1971, Silver Springs was designated a National Natural Landmark but it was not until 1993 that thorough scientific studies of the springs were done and wildlife rehabilitation had begun.
Eerie: Waters Water Park in Silver Springs, Florida, was left over grown with leaves and debris after its closure in 2016
Dilapidated: Slides ion the park have been covered in dirt and leaves where once water poured through the iconic springs
Hollywood classics such as Tarzan the Ape Man in 1932 and Creature from the Black Lagoon in 1954 were filmed at the springs
These haunting pictures show the huge slides with leaves now running down them rather than water, the empty pools where nature has taken over and kids play areas
Turnstiles where visitors would have once been going through, a lonely rubber ring floating on filthy water and brightly painted buildings are all that's left of the once bustling park
Abandoned: After Wild Waters took over in 2016, financial troubles led to its closure and demolition began in December
'Wild Waters water park was located in Silver Springs, Florida and it was a small park compared to modern standards, but offered a more relaxed atmosphere compared to its larger competitors,' Abandoned Southeast said
'Wild Waters was the sister park of the Silver Springs Nature Theme Park, one of the nation's first national attractions and home to the world famous Glass Bottom Boat tours', added the urban photographer
'Silver Springs was a popular filming location due to its exotic surroundings. Tarzan, Creature from the Black Lagoon, and scenes for several television shows were shot at Silver Springs', said Abandoned Southeast
In 1971, Silver Springs was designated a National Natural Landmark but it was not until 1993 that thorough scientific studies of the springs were done and wildlife rehabilitation had begun
Abandoned Southeast added: 'The State of Florida purchased the property, but allowed private companies to continue operating the attractions'
'Palace Entertainment managed Wild Waters and Silver Springs Park since 2002. Former Governor Rick Scott allowed Palace Entertainment to end their contract in 2013, which was supposed to run until 2029,' said urban photographer Abandoned Southeast
'As a result, Wild Waters and Silver Springs Park were placed under the control of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Park Service. After the state took over, downgrades in service and entertainment were made', added the photographer
Abandoned Southeast said: 'Wild Waters closed permanently in 2016. State officials cited financial reasons for closing the park, but the main reason was that the state wanted to return the property back to a more natural state'
'With less of a focus on man-made attractions. Construction crews began demolishing Wild Waters in December 2018', the photographer said
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