In August, 1954, Marineland of the Pacific opened to the public for the first time. Located at the tip of Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles County It was the largest oceanarium in the world.
This was before Sea World and todays Modern super parks, this one really was great. As a child I was taken here by my parents and have fond memories of this place. I look through these old Photographs and I can remeber standing next to some of these buildings. I remember being facinated by this place.
How could something so beautiful be destroyed and let go to waste due to the frugal hearts of a handful of wealthy men and women. Marineland had one failing about it...itwas built on land that was highly desired by the rich and famous. When push came to shove, millions of dollars in the pockets of investors was more enticing then a mere world class water park. 1987 would be the last year it would be open.
This was before Sea World and todays Modern super parks, this one really was great. As a child I was taken here by my parents and have fond memories of this place. I look through these old Photographs and I can remeber standing next to some of these buildings. I remember being facinated by this place.
How could something so beautiful be destroyed and let go to waste due to the frugal hearts of a handful of wealthy men and women. Marineland had one failing about it...itwas built on land that was highly desired by the rich and famous. When push came to shove, millions of dollars in the pockets of investors was more enticing then a mere world class water park. 1987 would be the last year it would be open.
With preservation efforts lacking, the majority of the old park has been torn down, vandolized or both. There is a large lack of conservation funds to keep the remainin buildings. It's only a matter of time before Marineland is just another rich kids backyard.
Visit the Marineland of the Pacific Historical Society for more Histrical info and more great pictures. Old memories don't fade out, but buildings do get torn down. And that makes me sad.
Also see Maureen Megowan's web page on the History of Palos Verdes, excellent read.
This area is also an excellent dive site location for both beach and tide launch http://www.calcoastdivers.com/DiveLocations/oml.html
You can see the Atrocity that will replace the once proud marine land - The property is worth Many Millions of dollars, I wish they would preserve a little bit instead of wiping out the last remaining shred of existance. To some people it means much more http://www.terranea.com/
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