Local family favorite Z Fun Factory set to close
After almost five years of fun and games, the Z Fun Factory is saying goodbye to the Yuma community. Although business grew slow over the years, the amusement park was built on success and love for Yuma.
“Just opening the door was a success,” shares Jay Walker who is a family friend and helped the Zellers open the amusement park. “I wish I could explain the passion and just everything that Brice and Becky had. They were like honestly two little kids on Christmas day when they bought this place. Not because they owned they place, but because they knew how much joy they would bring to the people of Yuma “
Jay Walker helped the Zellers open the Z Fun Factory, and he remembers the happiness they felt watching children and their families enjoy the space.
“Sometimes they’d sit there and watch the kids running around with just smiles on their face because that’s what it’s all about,” recalls Zeller. “It was all about the kids, it was all about family, and having a place that families could come to.”
Management says that the Z Fun Factory did not receive substantial financial support to keep it open, and right now they are focusing their energies on supporting their current employees.
“Well with our business closing I do have 40 to 50 employees who’ve been here 5 years now that’s been part of a family,” explains Jimmy Lillie, general manager of Z Fun Factory and Waylon’s Water World. “So my number one goal right now is to find them new jobs so that after we close they have a place to go, they can feed their families and they still have a job”
The park’s upcoming closure has left many customers with questions regarding memberships and weekly Monday night football prizes.
“The thousand dollar first prize, five-hundred dollar second prize, all those prizes that she promised you, she’s still gonna give them away and we’re gonna do it this Monday night,” explains Walker. “So come on out and watch the Monday night football game.”
The Z Fun Factory is currently figuring out a solution for the customers who purchased three-year passes to the park.
Waylon’s Water Park is already closed for the season, but will along with the Z Fun Factory, it will not reopen. The Z Fun Factory’s last day of business is Monday, October 10.
