Andretti Thrill Park has closed its doors after 27 years of operation at its Babcock Street location in Melbourne. The amusement park, which offered go-kart racing and other attractions, is being replaced by a 324-unit apartment complex. A sign on the park’s building now reads 'This location is no longer operating,' thanking the community for its support over two decades. The park’s closure was first reported by Florida Today on March 19, 2026.
The new development, called Melbourne Thrill Park Apartments, will occupy a 16-acre site. Permit filings show 11 three-story buildings will be constructed, with an estimated completion date of March 2028. Developers have said 130 of the units will be designated as affordable housing for households earning no more than 80% of Brevard County’s median income. The remaining 194 units will be market-rate apartments.
The park’s closure marks the end of an era for the area. Located on Babcock Street, the site was a local landmark for nearly three decades. The redevelopment follows years of planning and reflects shifting priorities in Melbourne’s growth strategy. No details were provided about the park’s final day of operation or what happens to its assets.
The apartment complex will be the first major residential project on the site since the park opened in 1999. The area has seen increasing demand for housing, particularly in the affordable segment. The project’s approval came after multiple public hearings and environmental reviews.
Residents and visitors who frequented the park in its final years said they were surprised by the news. Some expressed nostalgia for the go-kart tracks and other attractions. Others welcomed the change, citing the need for more housing options in the city. The park’s closure leaves a void in Melbourne’s entertainment landscape, but developers say the new apartments will serve a different need.