Ocean City Amusement, Water Parks Get Ready To Reopen

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Beginning July 2, it's going to look a lot more like summer in Ocean City. That's when Governor Phil Murphy will let amusement and water parks can reopen.

Murphy said he will announce Wednesday a reopening of indoor recreation, including arcades. Read more: Gov. Murphy: NJ Playgrounds, Water And Amusement Parks To Reopen

Businesses are awaiting further guidance from state officials on protocols. But people in the amusement industry, like Playland's Castaway Cove Vice President Brian Hartley, can't wait to get started.

"We’re ecstatic," Hartley told Patch. "Fifty-percent capacity is something we’re going to have to manage, but we will be prepared."

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Many amusement businesses on the boardwalk open on a limited basis in the spring to prepare for the busy summer. But that wasn't an option this year because of coronavirus closures. Instead, they're opening during the thick of summer.

Amusement industries in New Jersey faced uncertainty because, until Tuesday, they didn't know when the state would allow them to reopen their businesses. But many have been preparing for that day.

Related article: Ocean City Boardwalk Merchants Call On Gov. Murphy To Reopen NJ

Wesley Kazmarck, president of the Ocean City Boardwalk Merchants Association, made the following statement:

"The Ocean City Boardwalk Merchants Association commends Governor Phil Murphy for announcing that water parks and amusement parks will be permitted to reopen on July 2, just in time for the Fourth of July holiday.

"Our member amusement parks — and all merchants on the Boardwalk — are prepared to open safely with hygiene and social distancing protocols in place. We urge all visitors to follow all local, state and CDC guidelines when visiting Boardwalk shops, restaurants and amusement facilities. That includes wearing a mask, maintaining six feet from people not in your family and frequently washing your hands.

"We will continue to work with the Governor to permit arcades to open with safeguards in place, just as he has allowed casinos to open beginning July 2.

"We look forward to a happy, healthy and safe summer!"

OC Waterpark filled its pools and hired 70 certified lifeguards. Playland's placed hand-sanitizing stations at the entrance and exit of each ride. They'll spend the next week training and completing paperwork for employees they've hired.

"We’re excited to finally be given a date and to know what we have to do in the next week to work towards," Hartley said.

See more opening announcements below:

Read more: NJ Coronavirus, Reopen Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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