Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk announces Thursday reopening
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk announced Monday morning that it will reopen this week.
Beginning Thursday, select rides will be open to California residents. This includes the iconic Giant Dipper rollercoaster, Boardwalk representatives teased in a prepared statement.
“The rides running will likely change from day-today although the Giant Dipper will be running daily,” said Boardwalk media spokesperson Kris Reyes.
On its website, the establishment states that approximately eight to 12 rides will be open daily. Boardwalk spokesperson Kris Reyes said the reopening of rides will be “gradual and measured.” Rides will be open daily from April 1-11 and then on weekends through the rest of April, according to the statement. The Boardwalk will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tickets through April 11 are on sale now at beachboardwalk.com.
Reservations through purchases such as the Boardwalk’s daily wristbands are “highly recommended” as the opportunity to purchase walk-up tickets will be limited and based on capacity.
“Guests with MyBoardwalk Cards will be able to use them for a variety of activities including rides,” representatives said. “Guests wishing to use MyBoardwalk Cards for rides must register at any Boardwalk ticket booth prior to riding rides.”
In order to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Boardwalk said in its statement, rules around social distancing such as required face masks will be enforced.
The Boardwalk’s website advertises that rides will be closed periodically for cleaning and sanitizing, part of the guidelines created in partnership with local and state authorities.
“We worked with California Department of Public Health on drafting the amusement park reopening guidelines,” Reyes said. “We have had regular communication with local public health officials throughout the pandemic as needed.”
The reopening of select rides adds to the current pandemic Boardwalk experience of food stands, shops and outdoor games. Guests are still welcome to come and visit the boardwalk to take advantage of these features can do so based on capacity, representatives of the Boardwalk said.
“Everyone at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has been preparing for this important moment in our unique and storied history,” Reyes said in the statement. “The thrills will return on April 1 and we look forward to reopening rides to California residents in a manner that ensures the health and safety of all Boardwalk guests and employees.”
Because of the likelihood the county will be in the orange tier Thursday, the Boardwalk will operate at 25% capacity as designated by the state in its Blueprint for a Safer Economy framework.
“We will restrict access to the Boardwalk when we reach the relevant capacity limits. Priority for entry will be given to people with advance reservations although they may be held at the gates temporarily if we have reached capacity,” Reyes said in an email to the Sentinel.
Additionally, the nearby Boardwalk Bowl is scheduled to reopen Thursday provided Santa Cruz County has moved to the orange tier. County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel said during a press conference last week that “all systems are a go” to move down from the red tier.