Dadipark, the incredible story of Belgium’s abandoned amusement park

The beginnings: a family park open to everyone

Dadipark opened its doors in 1950 in Dadizele, a small town in Belgium. Originally, the park was just a playground created for the children of pilgrims visiting the Basilica of Our Lady of Dadizele. Under the initiative of priest Gaston Deweer, it quickly evolved into a real family amusement park, accessible and affordable for all.

Unlike major amusement parks such as Walibi or Bellewaerde, Dadipark did not rely on roller coasters or spectacular rides. Its concept was simple: outdoor playgrounds, giant slides, and above all an 800-meter-long suspension bridge — the longest in Europe at the time. A true paradise for children!

An inevitable decline: the accident that changed everything

Everything shifted in 2000 when a young boy from Kortrijk suffered a serious accident on the Nautic Jet ride, nearly losing an arm. This tragic event brought long-standing safety issues to light. The public grew concerned, and attendance at the park dropped dramatically.

Facing these difficulties, the management announced a temporary closure in 2002 for renovation works. In reality, however, the park would never reopen.

A forgotten land turned into an urban exploration paradise

For years, Dadipark remained frozen in time. Rusty rides, vandalized buildings, and wild vegetation transformed the site into a must-visit spot for urban exploration (urbex) enthusiasts. Many curious adventurers ventured inside, capturing the eerie beauty of this forgotten amusement park.

Photos and videos of Dadipark spread across the internet, fueling the legend of a haunted park. Some even claim to hear strange noises at night… enough to spark the wildest theories!

The final end: demolition and real estate project

In 2011, after several failed attempts to buy and restore the site, the municipality of Moorslede gave the green light for the demolition of the park. By 2012, bulldozers had erased almost every trace of Dadipark.

Today, the site is part of a project called “Les Hoven van Dadi,” which includes the construction of housing, green spaces, and playgrounds — a nod to the park’s original purpose, even if the soul of Dadipark now belongs definitively to the past.

Dadipark: a legend that will never disappear

Even after its disappearance, Dadipark remains anchored in the collective memory. Whether through the childhood memories of those who once played there, the striking images captured by urban explorers, or the passionate discussions on forums, this vanished amusement park continues to intrigue and fascinate.