Wisconsin Dells water parks reopening, one on Saturday
To reduce capacity, day passes not being sold
Wisconsin Dells water and amusement parks are gearing up to reopen after the state Supreme Court overturned Gov. Tony Evers’ safer-at-home order.
Mt. Olympus hotel and amusement park will be the first to open the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. Other resorts and water parks plan to reopen the following weeks.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. has a list of recommendations for parks reopening, which includes things like reducing capacity, sanitizing rides between each use and closing any attractions where that is not possible.
It also recommends that swimming pools or water parks hire additional staff to monitor pools for adequate disinfection chemicals and sanitize tables and chairs between patrons. The WEDC emphasized that a lifeguard on duty may not perform such tasks.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said there is no evidence that COVID-19 can spread to people through the water in a pool. However, the CDC still recommends maintaining other disease prevention protocols, including maintaining 6 feet of distance from others, washing hands, wearing a mask and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.
In an effort to reduce capacity, Mt. Olympus will only allow resort guests to visit the water and theme park. Day passes are not being sold.
“We know travelers will still be looking to social distance once they set out on family vacations this summer, and this will give our overnight guests more space to safely have fun,” owner Nick Laskaris said in a news release.
Chula Vista and Kalahari are reopening May 27.
The Kalahari hired a wellness concierge who will communicate safety initiatives and monitor health standards.
The Kalahari has installed protective shields at the front desk, coffee shops, retail stores and snack shops and will require workers to wear masks or shields.
It also installed multiple sanitizer stations and signs encouraging proper hygiene.
Wilderness Resort will have similar sanitation procedures in place when it reopens on June 4.
Great Wolf Lodge will be closed through June 15 and is in the process of implementing improved health and safety measures.
Noah’s Ark Water Park has not released an opening date. It announced earlier that 2020 season passes would be valid in 2021 because of the shortened season.