The family that founded and operated Silverwood Theme Park in Athol announced Wednesday a deal to sell the entire operation to another family-held company that operates several other similar properties throughout the country.

Founded in 1988 by Gary Norton, Silverwood became the largest theme and water park in the Northwest. Since it began, three generations of Nortons have operated the park, which has steadily expanded to include more than 70 rides and attractions at its 400-acre site, including the Boulder Beach Water Park.

But Paul Norton, Silverwood’s chief operating officer, announced in a news release the family’s parent company, Silverwood Inc., has agreed to sell the theme park to Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation.

Based in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, Herschend bills it

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