Others should follow Cedar Point’s lead

Once upon a time, Cedar Point was a destination for locals. Parents took their kids once a year. Most local teens had season passes, which cost a whopping $20. Visitors came from as far away as Willard or, even, Tiffin. Many ride operators and games tenders were a little worse for wear, ready to move on to the traveling carnival circuit during the off-season here.

In the early ’60s, CP owners decided to upgrade their image, expand their attractions and become a destination for people from all over.

Taking a cue from California’s Disneyland, CP brought in transformation experts who recommended establishing a dress code and hospitality training for a largely teen or young adult workforce.

Through the years the park has grown, but its squeaky clean image has stayed the same. CP will continue to project a wholesome image in its workers, though what is an acceptable look has evolved with the times.

Take, for instance, the stand on body art, once the exclusive mark of sailors, hooligans and floozies (descriptions a reader used in a letter to the editor when tattoo parlors were springing up all over the area). We now have here as many body art emporiums as mattress stores.

Tattoos are the new norm for people ages 18-35 and beyond.

Other popular looks are hair colors never found in nature, beards and multiple piercings.

Cedar Point hires hundreds of young people to help thousands of visitors have a great day at the park.

To limit the workforce to those who comply to the norm of 1965 eliminates many fine hopefuls seeking seasonal work.

Realizing that, the park has lightened up its accepted appearance guidelines.

Beards, tattoos and piercings are no longer automatic red flags for job hopefuls. ...

... Other businesses should follow CP’s lead and open hiring to those willing and able to do the needed tasks rather than those who comply to a cookie cutter “norm.”

Adapt and survive.