As time went on and we got married, we moved out of the area and thus spent less time there. Once we moved out of WA state altogether and moved back some years back, things had changed. This time we had a couple of kids in tow, and they got to enjoy not only the things we enjoyed, but the toy stores, the play areas, the playgrounds.
But still we were only there somewhat frequently. Then when CV jr arrived, we really never went much at all.
Good thing we went yesterday, as we were somewhat shocked to learn - the place was closing up.
It was Easter and normally most of their businesses are closed for the day anyways. But one shopowner was open, and she relayed the sad news. The place had been sold to a developer and they were going to tear it all down in place of squeezing in new condos and townhomes. Quite a profit they'll make, I'm sure.
Apparently the family had been trying to sell the whole thing for some 20 years, but they couldn't find buyer who was willing to keep all the shops and things in place. And finally the family patriarch - who is in his 90's I gather - just simply could no longer keep up with the daily demands and finally gave in.
Many of the businesses have either relocated or simply gone under.
Evidently all the chickens were relocated to a sanctuary (the Mrs. and joked it was Foster Farms), but we're not sure what's going to happen to all the ducks. It was sad because it was the first time CV jr had been there, and he really got like the ducks and the pirate ship play area.
I guess one can say it's progress - for us, it's hard to see it as such. For now, we can only say thank you and farewell. It will still be open till June 1st, so check it out while you still can.
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