Connecticut Amusement Parks Set To Open Under Virus Guidelines

ACROSS CONNECTICUT — The long-awaited opening of Connecticut amusement parks will coincide withthe end of school in most towns and Phase 2 of state openings related to the coronavorus pandemic.

Strict rules will be in effect when guests return and outdoor amusement parks will be able to operate at up to 25 percent of their capacites.

Here are the guidelines for Quassy in Middlebury and Lake Compounce in Bristol, according to Gov. Ned Lamont's decree:

• Parking staffers will direct customers to every other spot
• Walkways will include "educational signs" and one-way traffic will be used when it can be
• Parks will require online ticket purchase to the greatest extent possible. Line markers at entrances will be be 10 feet apart to accommodate groups
• Physical barriers will be placed at ticket counters
• Distancing procedures for each ride and attraction will include attendants leaving empty rows and separating guests to maintain safe distances
• Customers are required to bring and wear masks or cloth face coverings that completely
  cover the nose and mouth unless doing so would be contrary to personal health or safety due to a medical condition
• For water parks, pools, and water rides, federal guidelines recommend encouraging the use of cloth face coverings as feasible. Face coverings are most essential in times when physical distancing is difficult
• Staffers will advise those wearing face coverings to not wear them in the water because cloth face coverings can be difficult to breathe through when they're wet
• Sanitizing stations wiull be available and soap and towel dispensers will be touchless
• Water fountain stations will be restricted to bottle filling only
• Rides and attractions will be disinfected regularly
• Ride lines willbe rearranged away from the "maze style" to prevent patrons waiting in line from having to pass others face-to-face within 6 feet where possible
• In dressing rooms, every other or every third locker willbe blocked off, casual seating other than benches by lockers will be eliminated and, if independent showers are available and used, they must be attended and sanitized between each use
• "Communal style showers" will be closed, except for those used for rinsing before and after any pool activity

(Chris Dehnel/Patch)

Quassy announced a June 20 opening on its website.

Lake Compounce, the country's oldest and continuously operating amusement park, announced that its 2020 summer season will begin on July 1 for season pass holders and July 6 for the general public.

"The health and safety of our Guests and Team Members continues to be our number one priority as we work to welcome guests back to the park," general manager Larry Gorneault said. "We will continue working with our local leaders, health experts and industry colleagues to ensure best practices are in place at Lake Compounce."

Lake Compounce announced it will limit capacity not only in the park, but also on each attraction and in restaurants and buildings to ensure compliance with recommended social distancing standards.

In order to accomplish that, guests will be required to RSVP for the day they wish to visit, in addition to having a pre-purchased ticket or season pass. The park will only sell tickets and season passes online. Walk-up sales will not be available this summer.

All guests and employees will be required to have their temperature checked before entering the park, with any person exhibiting a temperature at or greater than 100.4 degrees, or displaying other symptoms related to the viris, denied entry.

Face coverings will be required for all team members and guests, except children under 3 years of age. Guests are required to remove their face coverings while swimming and on water attractions. Employees may also wear additional personal protective equipment, including gloves and face shields, while performing select work activities.

Dozens of hand sanitizing stations have been added throughout the park, and thorough cleaning will be conducted at regular intervals throughout the day, especially in high-traffic locations. All of these cleaning and safety measures will be reinforced through instructional signage and additional staff training, and visitors will be able to purchase face coverings and hand sanitizer at Lake Compounce’s retail locations.

The park is slated to be open daily until Aug. 23 and weekends through Sept. 20.

For more information, click here.

Six Flags New England is subject to Massachusetts guidelines, but it does sit on the state line next to Suffield.

Though no opening date had been posted by Friday, Six Flags New England has laid out a strict set of new rules that will first get visitors into the park and then keep them safe once in there amid lingering coronavirus concerns.

The new guidelines include ordering tickets to limiting attendance and then maintaining distances.

Here is an overwiew:

Getting In

• Six Flags officials said the park will be using state and local guidelines to gauge capacity with limits being well less than normal. All members, season pass holders and all guests with single-day or group tickets will need to make a reservation at www.sixflags.com/reserve. Pre-paid parking can be ordered as well.
• Thermal imaging will be used to screen the body temperatures of guests and employees prior to them getting into the park. Guests will be asked if they are healthy and will be required to acknowledge park health policies.
• Those 2 and older will be required to wear face masks unless other health concerns warrant an exception.
• Masks will be able for at the front gate.
• Touchless bag checks with advanced security screenings will be featured.

Social Distancing

• Distance markers will be placed throughout the park.
• Dining area seating will be spaced out.
• Guests will be separated by empty rows and/or seats on all roller coasters, rides, and attractions.
• Viewing areas will be marked for game play viewing and arcade games will be reconfigured or deactivated.
• Capacity at indoor and outdoor venues will be reduced.

Food Service

• Modified menus and mobile ordering will be implementred to promote touchless transactions.
• Beverages will be served by attendants, and guests will receive any seasonal drink bottle refills in a paper cup.
• Buffets and salad bars will be reconfigured to eliminate guest contact with food and condiments, cutlery and napkins will be provided to guests with their meals as required rather than at a separate station.

Cleaning

• "High touch points" like public seating, tabletops, counters, doors, trash cans, rides, restraints, rest room sinks and hand rails will be regularly sanitized throughout the day.
• Multiple hand-washing and alcohol-based hand-sanitizer stations will be located throughout the park.

More information about Six Flags New England's coronavirus policies can be located here.