VIDEOS: Go Inside Abandoned Blackbeard's Cave In Bayville

BAYVILLE, NJ — What was once a beloved family spot in Bayville now sits abandoned and falling apart. Blackbeard's Cave used to be a great small amusement park with rides, mini golf and more. But as locals know, the park has been in disrepair for several years.

After several difficult years, the park gave up some of its leased land and sold equipment to attempt to reopen for the 2021 season as a smaller park, but ultimately never reopened.

Now, changes are coming to the property. Read More: Here's What's In Store For Blackbeard's Cave In Bayville

Local photographer Eric Memoli took viewers on a journey through the abandoned park, sharing those photos on his TikTok account.

Memoli was born in Staten Island, but raised in Beachwood, where he still lives to this day. Blackbeard's Cave was the first amusement park his parents took him and his brother to as kids, as it was just a mile away from his home.

"I have a lot of personal memories there with my brother, father, mother, and other friends and family from just a child to even an adult," Memoli told Patch.

He said he got into photography because he likes what photos mean. You capture the moment as it's happening, he said, and you can always look back on it in and relive the memory.

Memoli's mother died when he was only 11-years-old from ALS, and the disease had caused her to lose the ability to walk and now.

"I don’t really remember my mothers voice and other things about her," he said. "And all I have left now is pictures and videos of her to remember her by."

"People come and go but memories and pictures last forever," Memoli said.

He wanted to be able to share his memories of Blackbeard's Cave after it's gone.

"When I heard is was closed down I just needed to see it with my own eyes with what was left," Memoli said. "It was very sad to see how it is now."

His TikTok series, three videos titled "The end of Blackbeards Cave," takes viewers through familiar spots and how they look now.

Memoli, like many other locals, has fond memories of Blackbeard's Cave, CB Huntington's and the arcade.

"I just wanted to take pictures of what was left to capture those memories one more time and to share them with everyone who was able to see them and would appreciate them like I do," he said.

He uploaded videos of his photographs to TikTok, Instagram and Facebook for his friends and family to see. Someone suggested he share them in a Bayville community Facebook group, and now thousands have seen his photos. Memoli said he is "so happy" he got to share his memories.

"So happy I went there one last time to share what a special place Blackbeard's Cave was and will always be in our memories," Memoli said.

Check out his other two TikToks below.