Dear Editor:
It would be nice to think that local theme park Bonfante
Gardens’ current situation could be blamed upon an under-performing
economy, as Paul Nakamoto clearly believes from reading his Jan. 3
Dispatch letter.
Dear Editor:
It would be nice to think that local theme park Bonfante Gardens’ current situation could be blamed upon an under-performing economy, as Paul Nakamoto clearly believes from reading his Jan. 3 Dispatch letter. And although a strong economy can definitely help a theme park’s season in terms of attendance numbers and per cap spending, contrary to Mr. Nakamoto’s statement that “every theme park and tourist attraction for the most part had a dismal year,” regional parks (which Bonfante would be classified as) do relatively well during weak economic times or even recessions.
It is the destination attractions (such as Walt Disney World) that have the hard time meeting attendance projections. As a result of unemployment and a general decrease in disposable income, park-goers opt to travel to close to home regional parks rather than fly or drive long distances to resort attractions. This would explain reported attendance increases at parks such as Paramount’s Great America and other similar parks.
So, in theory, Bonfante should have experienced a fairly good season, even though Paul wants to blame its underperformance on something that should have helped the park.
Bonfante Gardens suffers from two obvious disadvantages that have plagued the park from its inception and are responsible for its unclear future: a lack of funding and mismanagement. Both of these problems can be solved by the simple addition of an operating partner or a complete purchase of the park by a theme park company. Theme parks are expensive to run and they rely heavily on large amounts of people passing through the turnstiles each year. It takes time, experience, lots of money and other resources to make even the most amazing park successful.
The only way the Gardens will prosper (even during a not-so-good economy) is if an organization comes to the rescue with the funds and the know-how. And although it is a little late, from what I understand Bonfante officials are actively seeking assistance from an outside firm. Hopefully we will hear an announcement on the progress soon.
Further referencing Nakamoto’s letter, comparing the Bonfante Gardens hardships with those of Disney’s California Adventure in Southern California is not valid. The “woes” that have caused both parks to struggle with their first two seasons are significantly different that go beyond just a poor economy. Bonfante Gardens faces a much less difficult task to turn its troubles around than does Disney, but that is another story.
Agreeing with Nakamoto, I have no doubt in my mind that the heart and will was perfectly instilled within the Bonfante Gardens’ leadership. But it takes even more than that to achieve success.
With proper direction, Bonfante Gardens will not only be an amazing and beautiful theme park that it is today, it will also be financially feasible and eventually a business-success. And although I also agree with Paul that the challenges the park faces cannot be blamed on any one person or group, it is not fair to blame Mr. Economy either.
L.R. Bemmer, San Jose
Submitted Sunday, Jan. 5 to ed****@ga****.com
The Golden Quill is awarded occasionally for a well-written letter.
