NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Shell Factory & Nature Park in North Fort Myers will close in September.

On Monday, the company posted an announcement on Facebook.

The attraction has been in operation since 1938.

The last days the Shell factory is open are the weekends of September 20-22 and September 27-29, from 11am to 4pm.

The Fun Park is closed, but the on-site restaurants are serving a limited menu, while supplies last.

The park’s announcement included the following statement from owner Pam Cronin:

“This was an incredibly difficult decision, as the Shell Factory has been a huge part of our community and my life. We are so proud of the countless joyful experiences we have shared here, whether it was aboard bumper boats, in our nature park, on the mini golf course or in our shops and restaurants.”

The post referred to “costly maintenance of an 86-year-old building” – which ultimately led to the decision.

Shell Factory leaders are working with conservationists to safely house the more than 400 animals that live in the park.

Residents and visitors are asked to share memories they captured at the Shell plant on the company’s Facebook page.