Six Flags Magic Mountain announced the closure of the record-breaking coaster, Colossus just a few weeks ago, sparking reactions of all kinds.

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A group of “roller coaster enthusiasts and former Six Flags park workers” who are upset over the annoucement, are trying to stop the park from demolishing the coaster, according to the Save Colossus! website.

The group has created a petition titled “Save Colossus!” and they are working together to find a way to preserve the coaster, set to be shut down Aug. 16.

“Colossus is a part of the identity of the people of the Santa Clarita Valley,” said Donald Patti, group coordinator for Save Colossus!. “It’s been there for nearly 40 years. We’re all used to working and seeing it, going for fun, experiencing a little adrenaline rush and having fond memories of the ride.”

Patti grew up in Santa Clarita and worked at Six Flags Magic Mountain as a ride operator, he said.

“I worked at Colossus. I manned the control panel, and the load and unload positions,” Patti said. “I’ve heard rumors of an iron Colossus. Certainly there is a company that does this and certainly that’s better than them tearing the coaster out.”

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The group created a website explaining their goals and reasons for the petition, titled “Save Colossus!”. Their petition is on the iPetitions website and has 50 signatures as of July 10.

“The petition is the first step in process to generate interest. We are looking into getting California Landmark status for the ride and then there are certain protections that come with that,” said Patti. “A plaque would be placed out front and recognise that the coaster is historic. In this case, what’s unique is first coaster over 100 feet tall and can reach more than 60 mph.”

Colossus is more than 4,000 feet long and takes up more than 10 acres of land, according to the Six Flags Magic Mountain website. The coaster was built in June of 1978.

Related: Six Flags Magic Mountain’s ‘Colossus’ In Santa Clarita To Close

“We’re thrilled that so many people are as passionate about Colossus as we are at Six Flags Magic Mountain,” said Sue Carpenter, communications manager for Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor. “We think they’ll love what we have planned for the future.”

The coaster has been featured in films including The A-Team, Wonder Woman and National Lampoon’s Vacation.

“When I worked at the park, I worked at Log Jammer, Colossus, Ninja and Revolution,” said Patti. “When Log Jammer was torn out, it was more than a little disappointing but I didn’t see the same historic significance. Colossus has quite a few firsts and quite a big identity.”

The plans for the new ride that will be replacing Colossus will be released Aug. 28, said Mike Thompson, a Six Flags roller coaster historian .

“We certaining hoping that we are successful in persuading the park to keep the ride,” said Patti. “Also, to not make significant changes to it.”

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