Carowinds amusement park in Charlotte, North Carolina has made plans to reopen the park to the public on May 22.
The park, which is usually open for the spring, summer and autumn months, did not have its typical season in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to an article in the Charlotte Observer published on Jan. 28, “Carowinds, owned by Ohio-based Cedar Fair Entertainment Co., reopened for select dates in November and December for a holiday season outdoor event with some rides running.”
“Outdoor amusement parks were allowed to reopen Oct. 2 at 30% capacity under North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s Phase 3 reopening plan. Indoor amusement park rides must remain closed.”
Carowinds officials announced their plans to ensure a safe reopening amidst the pandemic on their website Carowinds.com.
“Carowinds will open with limited capacity in the park so you can maintain proper social distancing from other guests. To ensure that happens, you will need to plan for your visit in advance. You must also provide information about the current
health of family and friends coming with you to the park.”
The website then outlines the specifics of these protocols. All guests who are two years or older will be required to wear face coverings even when on rides, and each guest must also pass a thermal screening test where they will require a temperature reading less than 100.4 degrees to enter. Guests must also maintain social distancing from other parties throughout the duration of their visit. There are additional safety measures the park will also put in place but cannot enforce.
According to the website, guests will be encouraged to “Wash your hands every 20 minutes. We have many hand sanitizer stations all through the park. Avoid touching your face.”
The park will also enforce contactless forms of payment as well as mobile passes to enter the park.
According to the Charlotte Observer article, “the park posted jobs like admissions, food service, performers and ride workers.”
“For everyone’s safety, all associates working in the park must complete a health assessment and temperature check each day before reporting to work as well. We’re all in this together!” read Carowinds.com.
The park also announced that there will be new attractions open to the public come May. Such attractions include the Boogie Board Racer and the Grand Carnivale. The Boogie Board Racer is “billed as the longest mat racing slide in the Southeast,” and the Grand Carnivale is a nightly “street party and parade,” according to the Charlotte Observer.
“We recognize that people are concerned about keeping their families safe…. We’re following all of the guidelines that are recommended by the experts and that includes staying with your group, staying safely distanced from others and staying outdoors,” said Lisa Stryker, the communications director of Carowinds, in a 2020 WKYC article, in reference to the park’s decision to reopen temporarily in December for a holiday event.
Stryker and other Carowinds officials are being diligent to uphold those same guidelines as the park opens up in May.
Photo by Cooper Beck
