Apex Parks Group LLC: From Industry Giant to a Legacy in American Family Entertainment

Apex Parks Group LLC, founded in 2014 in California, was once one of the largest owners and operators of family entertainment centers, water parks, and amusement parks in the United States. Known for brands like Boomers! Parks, SpeedZone, Big Kahuna’s Water Park, and Sahara Sam’s Oasis, the company rapidly expanded across multiple states, offering millions of visitors high-quality, out-of-home entertainment experiences. After facing financial difficulties and filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020, its assets were acquired and restructured under new ownership, leaving behind a significant legacy in the leisure industry.

Introduction to Apex Parks Group LLC

In the vibrant and competitive world of leisure and entertainment, Apex Parks Group LLC emerged in 2014 as a major player determined to redefine family recreation in America. Founded with the vision of delivering exceptional, unforgettable experiences, the company acquired and developed a wide range of attractions, including amusement rides, water slides, mini-golf courses, go-karts, arcades, and seasonal events. Within just a few years, Apex became a household name in several U.S. states, attracting families, tourists, and thrill-seekers alike.

The Founding and Vision

Apex Parks Group LLC was founded by seasoned industry professionals with deep experience in amusement park operations. Backed by private equity investment, the company began its journey by acquiring existing parks and improving them with updated attractions, better amenities, and more engaging guest experiences. The goal was simple yet ambitious: to consolidate regional family entertainment centers (FECs) and water parks under a unified management structure while preserving their unique local charm.

From the very beginning, Apex positioned itself not merely as an operator but as a curator of experiences. Whether it was the adrenaline rush of a go-kart race, the splash of a water slide, or the joy of a family arcade night, the company’s offerings resonated with a wide demographic.

Rapid Expansion Across the United States

Apex Parks Group LLC expanded aggressively, acquiring and operating multiple facilities across California, Florida, New Jersey, and beyond. Among its most recognizable brands were:

Boomers! Parks – Family entertainment centers offering go-karts, arcade games, batting cages, and mini-golf.

SpeedZone – Thrill-focused venues featuring high-speed racing, miniature golf, and virtual experiences.

Big Kahuna’s Water Park – A water wonderland with slides, pools, and wave attractions.

Sahara Sam’s Oasis Water Park – Indoor and outdoor aquatic adventures catering to all ages.

At its peak, the company’s portfolio included more than 10 FECs and two water parks, making it one of the most influential leisure operators in the U.S.

Business Model and Competitive Edge

The success of Apex Parks Group LLC was built on a few key pillars:

Strategic Acquisitions – Rather than building new parks from scratch, the company acquired existing facilities with strong community ties.

Brand Development – While each park retained its local identity, Apex infused consistent quality standards and customer service across all locations.

Diverse Attractions – From thrill rides to family-friendly activities, the company ensured a broad appeal.

Seasonal and Themed Events – Special events like Halloween mazes, holiday light shows, and summer festivals boosted attendance year-round.

By combining operational efficiency with a keen understanding of customer expectations, Apex carved out a competitive advantage in an industry often dominated by giant corporations.

Challenges in the Amusement and Leisure Industry

Despite its strong growth, Apex Parks Group LLC faced significant challenges:

Seasonality – Attendance and revenue often fluctuated depending on the time of year, especially for outdoor attractions.

High Operating Costs – Maintenance, staffing, safety inspections, and insurance required substantial ongoing investment.

Market Competition – Competing with global brands like Disney and Six Flags, as well as regional operators, put constant pressure on marketing and innovation.

Economic Downturns – Consumer discretionary spending was highly sensitive to economic changes, making revenue unpredictable during recessions.

The 2020 Bankruptcy and Industry Shake-Up

In April 2020, Apex Parks Group LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. The filing revealed liabilities far exceeding assets, a challenge compounded by the unprecedented economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The shutdowns forced by public health restrictions were particularly devastating for amusement parks and entertainment centers, which rely on large gatherings and seasonal peaks to stay profitable. Apex had also recently closed certain properties, including Indiana Beach and Fantasy Island, further signaling financial strain.

Acquisition and Rebirth Under New Ownership

Following the bankruptcy proceedings, in June 2020, APX Operating Company, LLC acquired several of Apex’s assets. This transition marked a significant turning point for the former Apex portfolio. The new ownership rebranded and streamlined operations, focusing on the most profitable and sustainable parks.

The Boomers Parks brand emerged as the flagship identity, continuing to operate several former Apex locations along with water parks like Big Kahuna’s in Destin, Florida, and West Berlin, New Jersey (formerly Sahara Sam’s).

Legacy and Impact on the U.S. Leisure Sector

Even though Apex Parks Group LLC no longer operates under its original name, its influence remains visible in the parks and entertainment centers that still serve families across the country. Many of the operational practices, brand identities, and customer service standards set by Apex are still in use today.

Its legacy also serves as a case study in rapid expansion, market competition, and the effects of unforeseen global crises on the leisure industry.

Lessons from the Rise and Fall of Apex Parks Group LLC

Diversification is Key – Apex’s mix of attractions helped them attract a broad audience but couldn’t fully shield them from seasonality.

Financial Resilience Matters – Heavy debt loads can be dangerous in industries vulnerable to economic shocks.

Adaptability Wins – Post-bankruptcy rebranding under Boomers Parks shows that streamlined, focused operations can survive where sprawling portfolios may fail.

Community Engagement is a Lifeline – Parks that maintained strong local ties often retained customer loyalty even through ownership changes.

The Current Landscape of Former Apex Properties

Today, the parks once operated by Apex are spread across different owners and management structures:

Boomers Parks – Operates multiple Boomers! locations and water parks.

Lucky Strike Entertainment – Acquired Boomers Parks in 2024, integrating them into a broader entertainment portfolio.

Herschend Family Entertainment – Acquired specific Boomers! parks in Palm Springs and Vista, California.

These transitions ensure that the entertainment legacy built by Apex continues to delight visitors, even if the Apex name itself is no longer active in the marketplace.

Conclusion

The story of Apex Parks Group LLC is one of ambition, growth, and transformation. From its founding in 2014 to its expansion across the United States, it demonstrated the power of strategic acquisitions and brand-building in the leisure industry. However, the challenges of high operating costs, market competition, and the global pandemic ultimately reshaped its path.

Today, while the company itself is no longer active, the experiences it created live on under new banners. For industry observers, Apex’s journey offers valuable insights into both the opportunities and risks inherent in the world of family entertainment.