An Abbotsford amusement park landmark has successfully weathered another major flood event, with its owner crediting a protective wall constructed after the devastating 2021 atmospheric river for preventing catastrophe this week.
A Wall Makes the Difference
In a video shared on social media this past Wednesday, Brian Wiebe, co-owner of the medieval-themed Castle Fun Park, delivered an upbeat message: "Castle Fun Park survived the flood." The family-run park, a Fraser Valley fixture for over thirty years featuring go-karts, arcades, and mini-golf, faced water levels this past weekend that came extremely close to the historic heights seen in 2021.
Wiebe explained that following the 2021 disaster, which inundated large parts of the valley, the park proactively installed a concrete, lock-block wall around the property. Designed with waterproof materials, its purpose was straightforward: to keep surface water from pouring over the foundation walls and into the basement. "The wall held back (the water)," Wiebe stated, noting that during the peak of the recent flood, they further reinforced vulnerable areas with a berm.
Overnight Efforts and Groundwater Challenge
The defensive effort didn't stop at the wall. Wiebe highlighted the crucial role played by crews from various construction, contracting, and restoration companies. With the main entrance inaccessible, these workers traversed a hillside in the middle of the night to bring in equipment and 15 sump pumps to manage a second critical threat: groundwater.
He described groundwater as a separate concern where water travels underneath a building and begins "bubbling up … like a bathtub." The pumps were essential to keeping this subterranean water level low and preventing damage from below.
Looking to the Future After a Major Recovery
The park's resilience is particularly notable given its recent history. Castle Fun Park suffered heavy damage in the November 2021 floods and underwent significant repairs before reopening in the summer of 2022. While Wiebe acknowledged there was some minor damage from the latest event, he emphasized it was nothing catastrophic.
With the immediate threat passed, the focus turns forward. Wiebe indicated that announcements are expected soon regarding plans to reimagine the beloved park "for the next generation of families." The successful defense of the property this week stands as a testament to the value of learning from past disasters and investing in proactive infrastructure.
