20 Feb 2019
Flintstones theme park closes after nearly half a century
BY Andy Knaggs
Bedrock City, a Flintstones-themed roadside attraction in Arizona, US, has closed after nearly 50 years, and is to be replaced by a showcase for falconry called Raptor Ranch.
Located on State Route 64 in Valle, about 25 miles south of the Grand Canyon, the new attraction will allow visitors to wander among habitats featuring eagles, falcons, hawks and other birds of prey. Daily shows will demonstrate the birds’ hunting prowess.
Local media report that the Raptor Ranch may be fully operational in time for the 2020 tourist season, adding that initially the focus will be on renovating the 30-acre property’s RV (recreational vehicle) park, diner and gift shop, which could open within a few months to take advantage of this summer’s travel season.
Although most of the Bedrock City park will be dismantled, it is also reported that a few features, such as statues of a brontosaurus (the tail of which was a hugely popular slide for children), a sabre-tooth tiger and a woolly mammoth, will be kept as centrepieces in a children’s playground.
The Flintstones-themed park first opened in the 1970s, and was run by Francis Speckels, who was the original building contractor but was asked to stay and run the park. He died more than 25 years ago, and since then his wife Linda Speckels has continued to operate the attraction. In 2015 she decided to retire and the site was put up for sale.
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