Student Commentary: Community Issues

Living in today’s society means dealing with decisions made by colossal corporations. They split, merge, and form fast enough to make your head spin. Most of the time these actions seem only remotely connected to our daily lives. But what happens when these big companies make changes that will have a huge impact on your community? High school student Elston He takes on the issue of the possible sale of Magic Mountain Amusement Park and why he thinks it should stay open. Let us know what you think.

Elston He discusses why Magic Mountain is a vital part of his community

An editorial posted October 18, 2006. By Elston He.

Don't Lose The Magic  

Seventeen roller coasters. 260 acres. The best amusement park in the world. And its name? Six Flags Magic Mountain. With a reputation that far precedes itself, Magic Mountain is a fun-filled, bone-rattling entertainment spot, perfect for a family weekend getaway, a quick boost of adrenaline, or simply as a place to hang out and chill with friends. But could this symbolic landmark, which put the Santa Clarita Valley on the map, suddenly disappear?  

First opening on May 29th, 1971, Magic Mountain, the result of collaboration between Sea World and Newhall Land and Farm Company, contained 33 attractions and employed 500 workers. Today, it boasts over 3,900 employees during the summer season and features world-famous roller coasters such as: X, the first 4th-dimension roller coaster; Goliath, the tallest coaster at the park’s opening; Colossus, the fastest, largest, dual-tracked wooden coaster with over negative 2 G's; and Revolution, the world's first-ever, 360-degree steel, looping roller coaster.  

Magic Mountain has also served as the set for several movies, including National Lampoon's Vacation, Encino Man, Rollercoaster, Space Cowboys, and KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park, and countless episodes of various TV shows and sitcoms (it was even in a video my teacher showed for science class). Thirty-five years and numerous additions and improvements later, Magic Mountain is running stronger than ever, attracting almost three million visitors a year and generating over fifty million dollars in revenue annually.  

However, stormy complications lie ahead for Magic Mountain and its parent company, Six Flags. Six Flags, which owns numerous other amusement parks, is currently in over two billion dollars of debt. Thus, it has announced plans to 'explore potential strategic options' for Magic Mountain, including selling the park to real estate developers. The sale would lead to the closure and disassembly of the park. If Six Flags' previous actions are any indication of what is to come, then the future of Magic Mountain is not rosy; the company has already sold several of its water and amusement parks. 
 
But the city of Santa Clarita would lose a lot more than a simple thrill park. Here are some reasons why we should all try to keep Magic Mountain open, for as long as possible: 

1) Magic Mountain employs thousands of people each year, including many local teenagers seeking to gain work experience and some extra spending cash. For them, Magic Mountain, which is the single largest employer in the Santa Clarita Valley, provides a valuable employment opportunity that teaches the rewards of dedication and responsibility. Many of my friends have gotten summer jobs there; my brother worked there for two consecutive summers. By giving teenagers a chance to experience the real work-world, the park teaches them the importance of obtaining a good education and that money cannot be acquired simply by wishing for it.  

2) Magic Mountain is also very important to the local economy of Santa Clarita, bringing in millions of visitors a year that eat at neighboring restaurants, stay at nearby hotels, and in general generate revenue for many local businesses. Tourists of the park spend money both inside and outside the park itself. In fact Magic Mountain is the only reason somebody would ever visit Santa Clarita, which was voted by CNN/Money Magazine as the best place to live in California, making it California's premier entertainment destination. A large part of this rank was because of Magic Mountain, a historic landmark that first put Santa Clarita on the map. The Santa Clarita Transit, the local bus transportation operated by the city, has even dedicated a bus route solely for the purpose of traveling to and from Magic Mountain.  

3) Magic Mountain also exists as a place for teenagers and local residents of all ages to meet, chat, relax, and hang out. Without Magic Mountain, many kids would be out on the streets, perhaps tagging buildings or engaging in some other nefarious activity. Not only does the amusement park serve as a crime deterrent, it provides a place where people can simply unwind and remove themselves from the tiresome, hustle-bustle of everyday life. 

4) Magic Mountain, like any other business in the area, generates taxes for local governments. A large economic force, the theme park also pays more taxes than many other companies in the surrounding area. Magic Mountain currently conducts business in Los Angeles County, so tax revenues are put directly back into local programs. Thus, Magic Mountain both directly and indirectly helps to support programs that provide services to youth and seniors, transportation facilities, shelters for the destitute and needy, rehabilitation centers, libraries, and many other useful and important resources many of us use on a daily basis. 

For these and many other reasons, I believe that any closing of Six Flags Magic Mountain should be opposed. Magic Mountain needs to stay open because it plays a vital role in serving our community.