MONDAY, May 1 marked the final day for Durban Funworld – an icon on the Durban beachfront for some 75 years. The Durban community flocked to the theme park over the long weekend to say a sad goodbye to the park.
Many took to social media to share photos and thoughts with some noting the dilapidated state of the park and others reliving happier times.
For Durban resident Mandi Arnold, her last visit to Durban Funworld was bittersweet.
Speaking to Berea Mail, Arnold said there was a stark contrast between the theme park’s current condition and her fond childhood memories.
“There were discarded cable cars lying in pools of water near the bumper cars. It used to be a vibrant area. Now there are just broken pieces of equipment lying around, which was very sad to see, but I suppose it’s due to a lack of income,” said Arnold.
Related news: WATCH: one last cable ride at Durban Funworld
She shared more on Facebook:
We went to say our farewell to an iconic Durban landmark today. I think we all have childhood memories filled with the fun, laughter and bright colours of the beachfront Fun Fair. Growing up our biggest treat was Friday nights eating ice cream and riding the rides. Brett & I loved the vintage cars, the spinning chairs & the cable car. We were each given R2 which gave us 4 rides . It’s the bittersweet end of a bygone era, a time when Durban was safe & beautiful & filled with children’s laughter. As Summer & I wandered through the rides today, it was sad to see the peeled paint, the shabby statues & outdated everything. Stuck in a time warp of happy days gone by, but reflective of the harsh realities of our City now. We rode the cablecar one last time before it switched off because each generation had its turn to fly high, & I wanted Summer to share in this memory too. And just for a moment from up high, we are reminded that Durban, though her sparkle has faded, remains beautiful. It was sad to see the peeled paint, the shabby statues & outdated everything. Stuck in a time warp of happy days gone by, but reflective of the harsh realities of our City now,” wrote Mandi Arnold on Facebook.
“Today we visited Durban Funworld for the last time. (Newtons Park). It was an emotional day for many, we would like to thank the owners for all their efforts throughout the years to keep the park open. As strangers, friends and family we stood around reminiscing on the many memories we shared with family and friends. Today we got to give our kids a small glimpse into our childhood,” wrote Corrinne Naicker.
On Twitter, more posts flooded in, with social media users sharing their views.
One tweet expressed hopes for the future:
One can hope the @eThekwiniM will have plans to replace it with something new. I mean we have billionaires who buy football clubs surely the city can pitch the project to them n buy in to it then build something amazing to keep alive tourism. @dbntourism #Funworld #Durban pic.twitter.com/5czXvV7rxl
— Jama🖤 (@JAMA_NM) May 1, 2023
In another Tweet, it was a simple goodbye.
@DurbanFunworld will be closing permanently on the 1st May 😞 ** One last ride for old time's sake ** pic.twitter.com/urJ1igfxL6
— Khwezi (@KhweziPanuel) April 29, 2023
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