Astroland Amusement Park, open to the eager public since 1962, may soon close, as the property has been sold to an investor.

When Astroland opened in 1962, it was unique and thrilling and unforgettable, ahead of its time. It has remained unforgettable throughout the decades but no longer a thing of the future, rather a look into the past.

Sunday, Sept. 9, was the last day of the season when visitors could enjoy one more good old-fashioned ride in the park. A message on Astroland’s official Web site announces the kiddie rides will remain open through September if the weather is generous, adding, “We hope to see you next season, although plans remain uncertain.”

The uncertainty is referring to Astroland’s original owners, Carol and Jerome Albert, selling the property to Thor Equities last year. The developer’s plans are not entirely clear yet. According to the New York Times, Thor Equities plans to offer New Yorkers and tourists a new park, hotel, restaurants and time-share units on 10 acres of land between West 10th and West 15th Streets and south of Surf Avenue in the Brooklyn neighborhood, way beyond the space occupied by Astroland.

Carol and Jerome Albert have owned the park since 1962, its very first year as an attraction. They have shared its remarkable history. It was the first place to offer hot dogs, the first place to offer rides on a rollercoaster in America, as CBS reports.

Some of this history will remain for future generations to witness and remember. The Cyclone, a wooden rollercoaster as least as old as some of our grandparents, was named an official city landmark in 1988, the Times reports. This means it is safe from any tearing down that will happen during the new project.

While the public has reacted quite strongly, in fear that Astroland could be wiped away, Stefan Friedman, a spokesman for Thor Equities, said: “Thor remains in negotiation to extend Astroland’s lease.” He also gave assurance that “no matter the outcome of this negotiation, Thor is totally committed to having amusement and games in the neighborhood for years to come.”

Perhaps we are once again faced with the way life goes – time passes, things grow older and older until they disappear, memories remain and then even these pass away. Then, more things grow older and more memories fade away… and so on.