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Stunning Photo Series: Peek Inside an Abandoned Six Flags Theme Park Ravaged by Hurricane Katrina

Aug. 16, 2012 9:18am

Readers of TheBlaze are often enraptured by once-lively but now-abandoned environments. And we’re pleased to introduce you to one of the men behind the camera that’s responsible for such incredible images.

Meet Will Crusta.

At the ripe age of 19 he began wandering through empty, dilapidated and graffiti-riddled spaces in the New Orleans area with his DSLR — and today he’s sharing his thoughts on some of these works and why people may be fascinated by empty spaces in general with TheBlaze.

Hobbyist Photographer Will Crusta UrbEx Series Brings Viewers Into Abandoned Spaces: Six Flags

Will Crusta "UrbExing" in an abandoned school. Notice how he takes precautions wearing a mask over his nose and mouth. (Photo via Will Crusta)

Crusta, now 22 years old, writes on his Flickr profile that his favorite artistic ventures involve urban exploration (or UrbEx). Most of the places he’s crept into were “ravaged by Hurricane Katrina and have been abandoned ever since.”

Although it’s hard for him to pick a favorite space into which he’s traversed, one of his more unique adventures was at a Six Flags, which was recently featured on the viral content platform Buzzfeed. So we’ll start there.

Crusta writes in an email to TheBlaze the theme park was a place he had wanted to visit for a long time. He ended up visiting four times — the most he ever returned to a site to capture the haunting images.

“It’s an abandoned theme park, and really, how many of those are you going to see in your lifetime?” Crusta said. “I believe this one is still caught in fiscal disputes, so that’s the reason it still exists in its current state. You won’t get that lucky with some places.”

Check out some of the nearly 200 photos Crusta took at the park:

The hobbyist photographer, with 11 albums on Flickr hosting his view of abandoned spaces, admits he did not necessarily enter them with permission.

“I wasn’t allowed into any of these places, but if I had been, then what would be the fun in that?” Crusta writes. “A large part of the thrill of going to these places is the act of getting in undetected. Then once you’re in, it’s like your own private playground of cool sights and photo opportunities.”

It is this very “stigma of being ‘off limits’” that Crusta says is probably why people are fascinated by abandoned spaces in the first place.

“Everyday people can go to these places, as I’ve shown in my photos, but most people would decide against going to places like this for one reason or another. I find them exciting and feel like they give me this sense of having a place all to myself.”

Check out all of Will Crusta’s UrbEx photos on his Flickr stream here. Find more of Crusta’s photos specifically of the abandoned Six Flags theme park here.

Stay tuned for the next part of TheBlaze’s photo series on Crusta’s work featuring an abandoned hospital — his first UrbEx experience — Friday.

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Comments (99)

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  • TLeach
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 11:17am

    Pretty cool … I have a friend that does this all over the world… you should have a peek at some of the places he has been to and photos he takes http://ninjito.com/ enjoy…. I know I do every time I take a look at his travels

    Report this comment

    TLeach  
    • midwesthippie
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 12:48pm

      …remember the beijing “post olympics” story…and how the blaze tried to make us think that the chinese were a bunch of no-good peasants because of dilapidation…repeat…re-run…

      Report this comment

      midwesthippie  
    • Kaoscontrol
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 12:52pm

      Your friends photos are much better than these. Crusta needs to learn more about subject, angle and composition. Pictures of broken stuff with some vignettes and color correction added later doesn’t quite cut it.

      Report this comment

      Kaoscontrol  
    • randy
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 1:10pm

      Well, It’s obvious from looking at the photos, your friend is a photographer.
      But this kid has along way to go before I would consider him anything but a tourist taking snapshots.
      As a photographer and a camera maker, I can say, these photos are stunning alright. Stunningly BAD.

      Report this comment

      randy  
    • gosutag
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 2:39pm

      @TLEACH: Can you tell your friend to put captions on the photos? Maybe I’m missing them? But, it really helps me understand what’s going on. Thanks.

      Report this comment

      gosutag  
    • dae26
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 3:03pm

      The photos on ninjito are way better. Not sure why Randy is saying they’re bad. Jealousy maybe?

      Report this comment

      dae26  
    • dmerwin
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 8:11pm

      Cancun, up and running.
      New Orleans, still waiting for gubment help.

      Report this comment

      dmerwin  
  • TheMajority
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 11:08am

    It looks like Detroit after 3 decades of International redistribution (the 2-party system calls fair trade, or free market). Of course, New Orleans was never rebuilt, because of 3 decades of international redistribution.

    Report this comment

    TheMajority  
  • QuincySmith
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 11:05am

    These photos are a metaphor. Where once happiness and fun prevailed, the progressive hurricane started with a gentle breeze but wreaked havoc during the last twelve and especially the last four years. It is not too late, but we have much work to do, beginning with turning oblama and his minions out of office in only three months.

    Report this comment

    QuincySmith  
  • CuppaTea
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 11:04am

    Add your commentsWho knew New Orleans had a Six Flags?!

    Report this comment

    CuppaTea  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 10:47am

    Where’s Scooby and Shaggy? Looks like a likely place to find them.

    Report this comment

    Gonzo  
  • bigalduvio
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 10:44am

    Being from N.O. I know a litlle about this. the reason the park did not open is Six Flags backed out of the lease and has filed bankruptcy for this location. The City know owns the property and the resort. This was a fantastic park we had season tickets for 3 years my kids loved it. The park was originally named Jazz Land then it was sold to six flags 2years after it opened in 2003. N.O. The City put it up in a auction a few months ago and they rejected all bids. The plan is to turn it into a outlet mall but i don’t see that happening anytime soon.

    Report this comment

    bigalduvio  
    • salvawhoray
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 10:59am

      I went to the park and I found it to be a joke.
      The rides were no better than the ones you see at a school fair.

      Report this comment

      salvawhoray  
    • therockczar
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 1:13pm

      @Salvawhoray-You are crazy as heck! Six Flags New Orleans was awesome! It was smaller than other Six Flags Parks but just as fun. Wasn’t like a fair at all–

      Report this comment

      therockczar  
    • acidovorax
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 6:40pm

      BIGAL, having grown up in New Orleans, I was under the assumption that Jazz Land had gone out of business prior to Katrina.

      Report this comment

      acidovorax  
  • vbtech
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 10:39am

    I think you are all missing the point. This is a great setting for The Walking Dead season 3 ( or 4 since season three has already been filmed?). Got lemons…make lemonade!

    Report this comment

    vbtech  
  • spirited
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 10:30am

    Detroit?

    Report this comment

    spirited  
    • Spankster
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 2:30pm

      Don’t come to Detroit,it’s not even safe for the walking dead,but if you do come,could you please turn out the lights when you leave.That won’t be hard,since only half the lights work……Thanks for the democratic Black rule.

      Report this comment

      Spankster  
    • kapnkd
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 3:32pm

      No way! Living fairly close I can tell you these photos were waaaay to nice for Detroit!!

      Report this comment

      kapnkd  
    • westtitus
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 9:59am

      When you turn the lights out don’t foget the Flag!

      Report this comment

      westtitus  
  • AnAmerican111
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 10:16am

    Who cares! It’s New Orleans!……… rest of the Country is headed that way under the criminal Obama and his band of morons!

    Report this comment

    AnAmerican111  
  • kcares
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 10:14am

    This is our country now. I wish I had the energy to care, but Detroit, Chicago, the empty malls, strip shopping centers and the Libs just keep on. The next story is a black 20yr. old that sexually assaults his grandmother because he couldn’t get a girlfriend. The black panthers are ranting about killing whites, and the pres. doesn’t speak out. I could go on and on, but the people of this country are so stupid now, they will just keep voting for this lier in chief.

    Report this comment

    kcares  
  • hillbillyinny
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 10:14am

    I may be loosing my mind, but I believe this is a RERUN for the BLAZE!

    In fact, at the time, SEVERAL COMMENTERS mentioned that the term “Stunning” used in the header was “quite a bit of over kill” for the interest level of this story.

    There’s lots going on out their guys, lets cover it!

    Report this comment

    hillbillyinny  
    • bpodlesnik
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 10:28am

      One thing that bothers me, that The Blaze editors do so often, is use the same adjectives and adverbs so frequently. I sometimes feel as though it’s high school or freshman college level way of writing. Don’t get me wrong, I still love the articles they put out, I just would like to see a little more sophisticated way of writing. Like using words that aren’t as commonly used, or diving a little deeper into stories.

      Report this comment

      bpodlesnik  
    • Displacedsoutherner
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 12:29pm

      Interesting? OK Stunning? Not even close.

      Here’s the stunning image I want to see: the back of BHO’s U-Haul truck going out the gate at the WH and taking his belongings back to Illinois. That’s after the gate guards do a load check and remove all the stuff he and his missus have appropriated.

      In the South when I was a kid, the daily domestic workers shared a concept called “Totin’ Privileges” which was roughly interpreted to mean any food left over in the kitchen not specifically identified as being saved for a specific purpose could be taken home at the end of the day. Unfortunately the Libs idea of Totin’ Priveleges is anything not nailed down and many things that are when it’s time to pack up and leave the White House. And those things they can’t carry they vandalize.

      They really are “just better people” than the rest of us.

      Report this comment

      Displacedsoutherner  
  • Fhrvrgnugn
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 10:02am

    Recycled story, guys.
    Here’s a photo essay on the park from 2010:
    http://visboo.com/amazing-pictures-of-abandoned-amusement-park-in-new-orleans.html
    Here’s a video, also from 2010:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bcja8UBtXdk

    Report this comment

    Fhrvrgnugn  
  • gbfreak
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 10:02am

    obammie utopia!!!

    Report this comment

    gbfreak  
  • FREDD The WILSON
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 9:55am

    Obama wants the suburbs and middle class America to look like this. His vision of all of us living in the cities will come true if he is relected for 4 more years.

    Report this comment

    FREDD The WILSON  
  • Tigress1
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 9:55am

    Scooby Doo, where are you?

    Report this comment

    Tigress1  
  • mecbb55
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 9:54am

    haha you blazers are so predictable. this park isn’t open because it is worthless. it would have to be leveled to the ground and then completely rebuilt in order for it to be operational. my guess is that six flags has stopped paying to lease the land which is why it has fallen into such disrepair. blaming obama is just as stupid as blaming bush. you are what you claim to be against.

    Report this comment

    mecbb55  
    • ccprotect
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 4:02pm

      so you are saying it IS Obo’s fault? sorry i lose track of my thoughts when reading a post like yours.

      Report this comment

      ccprotect  
  • Mamma Bear
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 9:50am

    Great pics – thank you for sharing.

    Looks like Obama’s getting things right back in order and so quickly. Thank you Obama – you truly are the chosen one, just like you said.

    Report this comment

    Mamma Bear  
    • chips1
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 12:24pm

      It’s going to be reopened as “Kenya Land”. The pick your own cotton candy land should be a winner.

      Report this comment

      chips1  
  • shogun459
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 9:50am

    “We are NOT Amused.” ,
    and we can’t afford to be amused anymore.

    Report this comment

    shogun459  
  • gr29az
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 9:48am

    hows that hope and chains workin out for ya

    Report this comment

    gr29az  
  • oicu814me2
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 9:37am

    Regulations is keeping it from opening..

    Report this comment

    oicu814me2  
  • starman70
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 9:36am

    With the shackles placed on businesses nationwide by Obamacare, you may see more and more abandoned businesses and theme parks. We are becoming a third world country faster than the speed of light.

    Report this comment

    starman70  
  • jfreak13713
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 9:34am

    Imagine if Obama gets four more years? Oh wait Katrian was Bush’s fault! Nevermind, we’ll be fine Bush hasn’t been in office in nearly four years so things are certainly much better now. Happy Days are here again. Obama, what a joke!

    Report this comment

    jfreak13713  
  • NeoKong
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 9:32am

    So what’s the deal…?
    Is Six Flags so flush with cash that they can just abandon a huge resource like that to the weeds…?
    Why have they not reopened the park?

    Report this comment

    NeoKong  
    • shogun459
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 10:17am

      Can’t afford to Repair and Re-Open.
      My bet is on Federal regulation, bad economy.

      Report this comment

      shogun459  
    • johnjamison
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 10:28am

      No quite the opposite Six Flags is struggling each year and I guarantee the cost benfits analysis found that replacing all the damage equipemnt which was probabaly every single piece of machinery in the place has being ruined by SALT water…..That’s the key salt . Wreck you car in a lakes and the engine can be saved wreck in saltwater and it’s TKO’ED

      Report this comment

      johnjamison  
  • HKS
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 9:26am

    That looks like a great park that would have been back in great shape if Obama hadn’t put the boot on business for the last four years.

    Report this comment

    HKS  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 9:40am

      Agreed, this is what America will look like under a second term with him.

      Report this comment

      Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • bpodlesnik
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 10:35am

      I think it’s the park that needs the boot, as in, tear it all down. Recycle what you can, and throw the rest away. I’d rather see something new be built there then another amusement park.

      Report this comment

      bpodlesnik  
  • TRILO
    Posted on August 16, 2012 at 9:23am

    Many of our cities look the same. It is nice to see that several gangs have broken into the park too.

    Report this comment

    TRILO  
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