Carolina Beach amusement rides face uncertain future as town prepares for upgrades to boardwalk property

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Questions remain about the future of the amusement rides along the Carolina Beach Boardwalk as the town moves forward with plans to develop property it recently purchased.

Mayor Lynn Barbee said part of the property where the Ferris wheel and other amusement rides are currently located will eventually become a park. The town also plans to add a new stage to the area.

Barbee said the amusement rides have never been considered a permanent feature at the location and could eventually move elsewhere.

The town is not interested in leasing the newly acquired property for the rides, according to Barbee. However, he said operators who want to continue offering rides in Carolina Beach would need approval from the Town Council for another location.

“Rides have always moved to wherever there’s available land and I can’t speak for the ride operators,” Barbee said. “There’s plenty of vacant land but the plan is not for them to be, the town doesn’t really have any interest, I don’t think, in leasing the land for that purpose.”

Barbee said the Town Council would likely support efforts to keep the amusement rides in Carolina Beach because they are a popular attraction for visitors.

The town purchased nine properties along the boardwalk for $12 million as part of an effort to enhance the area and expand public space. The properties have been used for parking and amusement ride space.

While the town’s plans will change how the property is used, the future location of the rides remains uncertain.

For now, Barbee said the town expects the rides could continue to be part of Carolina Beach, provided operators find suitable property and receive the necessary approval from the Town Council.