Cedar Fair Releases Statement About Reopening Of Ohio Parks Including Cedar Point And Kings Island

Cedar Fair fully supports the amendment to HB 665 that was adopted today, June 4, 2020, in the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee. The amendment provides for the immediate re-opening of Ohio amusement parks and water parks.

Richard Zimmerman, CEO, Cedar Fair Entertainment Company said in a statement,

“We fully anticipate and expect having the same opportunity granted to other businesses in Ohio to operate our business in a safe and manageable environment. As professional amusement park operators with an exemplary safety record, we are experts at managing risks and following protocols. The protocols we have developed to reopen our parks are in accordance with governmental and CDC directives, Erie County and Warren County Health Departments, medical professionals, Ohio’s Development Services Agency (DSA) and industry best practices. They are specifically responsive to the COVID-19 crisis. Our capacity controlled, family friendly properties at Cedar Point and Kings Island, coupled with the operational expertise of our seasoned park professionals who work there, provides for an environment where predictable observance and enforcement of social distancing and COVID-19 protocols can be achieved. We look forward to welcoming back our loyal guests to Ohio’s treasured amusement parks, which have brought fun and happiness to generations of families.”.

This legislation not only benefits Cedar Point, Kings Island, and their guests, but also the economic viability of the local citizenry and surrounding Ohio communities. Cedar Point announced this morning via a news release, that Hotel Breakers will begin hosting guests for overnight stays beginning June 12.

The hotel is providing families with a safe, clean environment with protocols that have been informed by company and industry health experts and align with CDC guidelines. Access to the Cedar Point Beach, Hotel Breakers, Lighthouse Point, and all activities is limited to guests staying at the hotel who have purchased the Sun & Fun package, which offers families a full lineup of fun for all ages. Hotel restaurants and themed dinner experiences will also be available with the Sun & Fun package as well as watersports and kayak rentals, pedicab cruises, plus games and activities will be offered throughout the day while Live music will fill the air at the Sand Bar Stage in front of Hotel Breakers. Guests will enjoy traditional summer tunes from local bands and artists all afternoon. Cedar Point and Cedar Point Shores Waterpark opening dates have yet to be determined, so the park may not be open during your stay. To learn more about opening dates and the special Sun & Fun package, visit the official Cedar Point website by clicking here.

UPDATE JUNE 5 2020

June 5, 2020: Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced during a press conference that Ohio amusement parks (including Cedar Point and Kings Island), casinos, racinos and waterparks have been cleared to reopen starting June 19, 2020.

“In each case, they have come up with plans that drastically reduce the number of people” in attendance and take other precautions against spreading the coronavirus, DeWine said. The venues must follow state-mandated precautions that include employees wearing masks, six-foot social distancing between patrons, and frequent cleaning to reduce the risk of contracting the virus. The six-foot rule effectively means that museums, zoos and movie theaters cannot admit the crowds they once hosted before being closed on March 24, and must instead restrict attendance. The hiring of foreign students will be dramatically scaled back, if not eliminated all together at Cedar Point specifically. The park will also test employees who live in company housing. In brief, DeWine finished by saying: “The virus is still very much out there, not going away.”

UPDATE JUNE 9 2020

Cedar Fair has officially announced the re-opening dates for Cedar Point and Kings Island. The parks will open in July with season passholders being the first to visit. FULL DETAILS ON THE RE-OPENING DATES AND GUIDELINES CAN BE FOUND HERE. Visit the Amusement Park Community FB Group HERE and JOIN THE DISCUSSIONS!