42 PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM stages were demolished to make way for business buildings. Sadly, Marine World Africa USA wasn’t the only Peninsula gem to shutter its doors. Gone is the merry mishmash of batting cages, mini golf, arcade, go-kart course and bumper boats of Redwood City’s Malibu Grand Prix. Palo Alto Bowl, Redwood Roller Rink and Belmont Iceland rink met similar fates. California’s Great America is nearing the end of its run, the rollercoasters on their last loop-de-loops, the carousel horses on their final laps. Where entertainment once reigned, tech and real estate now rule. Reflecting on this bygone era, it’s hard not to look back at Marine World—a surreal space where kids rode camels, trainers wrestled tigers and orcas kissed guests—as some fever dream. Did that really happen? Still, maybe its implausible existence proves it can happen again. Maybe magic can win out against sensibility. Perhaps there are playful places on the Peninsula yet to come. If an elephant can water-ski, anything is possible. {punchline} PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF: ED BIERMAN / SAN MATEO COUNTY HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION COLLECTION (2018.80.66) / ED BIERMAN
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