Kennywood Amusement Park Updates Chaperone Policy Amid Rising Concerns

Fox News reports that Kennywood, a longstanding amusement park near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is revising its summer chaperone guidelines. This change addresses the increasing instances of violent clashes and disorderly teen congregations observed in parks nationwide as the summer season approaches.

The park has announced that guests aged 15 and under are now required to be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or another supervising adult during all operating hours, effective starting June 12. This policy will continue until September 7, according to the park’s statement.

Recent incidents have prompted these updates. For example, Six Flags St. Louis had to close early on its opening day due to brawls involving around 100 individuals. Similarly, Hersheypark experienced a significant brawl on its opening day, resulting in charges against 55 people following a large fight. These occurrences highlight a need for stricter supervision.

Kennywood’s proactive measure aims to maintain its longstanding tradition of a family-friendly environment. Company representatives emphasize their commitment to preserving this atmosphere.

In a Facebook post, Kennywood shared its zero-tolerance stance against disruptive behavior, acknowledging the circulation of unauthorized gathering notices. The revised policy seeks to involve parents and adults more directly in ensuring a safe guest experience.

Visitors unable to prove they are at least 16 must have a chaperone. The accompanying adult should be 21 or older and present a valid government-issued photo ID. Each chaperone can supervise up to six guests aged 15 and under. Once inside, chaperones must stay in the park but don’t need to be with the minors throughout the visit. However, minors must be able to contact their chaperone at all times.

Kennywood has extended this policy from evening enforcement to an all-day requirement. The age limit has been reduced from 17 to 15 and below, responding to recent issues such as “teen takeovers” disrupting public spaces. Social media has often fueled these gatherings, leading to fights and arrests.

Similar steps were taken by Hersheypark, implementing photo reentry checks after its opening day’s disruptions. Kennywood is proactively addressing these concerns and prioritizes safety for guests who fail to comply with policies.

Management and security personnel will enforce these rules throughout the park, and unaccompanied minors may be removed. Exceptions apply for organized group events with existing supervision protocols.

Online, many commend Kennywood’s initiative. Users praise their foresight and the policy’s potential to curb prevalent issues.

Established in 1898, Kennywood is located in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, about 10 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. It holds the distinction of being one of two amusement parks in the U.S. marked as a National Historic Landmark, alongside Rye Playland in New York.

Guests must pass through a weapons detection system at the entrance during the summer, and permitted bag sizes are restricted to 15 by 15 by 15 inches, with allowances for medical and diaper bags.

Kennywood is celebrated for its vintage attractions like the Jack Rabbit roller coaster and its well-loved Potato Patch fries.