New Jersey waterparks were given the okay to reopen yesterday following Governor Murphy’s guidance for outdoor amusement and water parks. After months of uncertainty about what the summer would look like, these waterparks are ready to welcome guests back with changes to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Courtesy of The Funplex
“There is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, or water playgrounds. Additionally, proper operation of these aquatic venues and disinfection of the water (with chlorine or bromine) should inactivate the virus.” the CDC says.
Here’s a list of waterparks open to enjoy in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and what they’re doing to protest guests’ health:
Tannersville, PA
The Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark is ready for you to experience over 37 rides, slides and attractions perfect for both thrill-seeking and unwinding. There’s also the indoor waterpark, Aquatopia, to enjoy. All chaise lounges, cabanas and other high touch surfaces, like the towel desk and entry kiosk, are sanitized regularly. Group rafts are limited to guests from the same party. All guests over the age of two are required to wear face coverings while in either waterpark. Aquatopia is currently only open to day guests. Visit Camelback Resort online to make an overnight reservation or to purchase a day pass.
East Hanover and Mount Laurel
Both Funplex locations reopened at noon yesterday. The Splashplex, The Funplex’s outdoor waterpark, is ready to welcome visitors back in East Hanover and Mount Laurel. Indoor arcades and bowling alleys are also open, and so are the outdoor rides at Mount Laurel. Both parks have made changes to protect the health of their guests: deep cleaning procedures are being practiced and hand sanitizer stations and plexiglass barriers have been installed. Seating spaces and queues have been moved to allow for six feet between guests. The Funplex asks guests to wear face coverings when not on water rides. To maintain COVID-19 reopening guidelines, tickets must be reserved online as park capacity is reduced. Visit The Funplex website for hours, directions or to reserve tickets.
Scotrun, PA
The indoor waterpark at the Great Wolf Lodge has rides and pools perfect for any age. Hang out in Slap Tail Pond, hop on the high thrill Double Barrel Drop or unwind in a cabana. Great Wolf has revised its health and safety plan to meet COVID-19 guidelines: contactless environments have been created where possible including contactless park entrances and payment, the frequency of cleaning and sanitation has been increased and plexiglass barriers have been installed in areas like the Towel Hut. Guests are asked to maintain social distancing while in line for rides. The hot tubs are temporarily closed and the bathing suit dryer will not be available. Reservations can be booked online.
Pocono Manor, PA
Can’t decide if you want an indoor or outdoor waterpark experience? No need to choose at Kalahari—both the indoor and outdoor waterparks are open. The indoor waterpark is home to 220,000 square feet of slides and pools while the outdoor park has even more slides, like the Bugs Burrow for the littles, and a large pool that boasts a swim-up bar. To protect guests’ health, Kalahari has installed sanitizer stations throughout the resort, protective screens where needed and is using hospital-grade disinfectant products. Cashless payment options have been expanded and an express check-out has been created to minimize contact. Face coverings are required for guests over the age of two. Kalahari now has a Wellness Concierge that will help monitor health standards and communicate safety initiatives. Visit the Kalahari website to book a room or to purchase a day pass to the waterparks.
Courtesy of Mountain Creek
Vernon
Head to the mountains starting Saturday June 19 through Labor Day to enjoy Mountain Creek Waterpark, open daily 11 am-5 pm. There are rides for the whole family to enjoy from the relaxing Lost Island River to the fast-paced Thunder Run and more. Social distancing throughout the park and pools and frequent hand washing or sanitizing is encouraged. Guests are also highly encouraged to wear face coverings, except in the water where they may present a drowning risk. Furniture will be sanitized after each use and upon entering the park guests will be asked to provide contact information to help with contact tracing. The park capacity will be limited and all tickets must be purchased online.
West Berlin
The outdoor waterpark at Sahara Sam’s opened yesterday. Take a dip in the 12,000 square foot wave pool or race down a slide like Tut’s Twisters, a head-first mat slide that’s five stories high. Following New Jersey’s reopening guidelines, the park is limited to 50 percent % capacity and reservations must be made online. High touch surfaces will be frequently cleaned and bathrooms and changing areas will close periodically throughout the day for cleaning. Barriers, one-way walkways and new queuing patterns have been designed to help guests maintain social distancing. All transactions in the park will be cashless. Masks need to be worn while waiting in line for and walking to and from the bathrooms and cafe. Indoor attractions are remaining closed.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, in Jackson, has not yet announced plans to reopen the water park. Check the website for more updates.
Will you be going to a waterpark anytime soon? Let us know the comments section.
