As New York loosens its COVID-19 restrictions, amusement parks all throughout the state are opening their doors to kids, teens, and adults awaiting to create new memories of fun. Although the vaccination rate in the state continues to climb, many businesses, including amusement parks continue to take precautions to keep employees and customers safe. One such amusement park is Adventureland.
Since 1962, Adventureland has been Long Island’s main amusement park hosting birthday parties, group outings, summer camps, and school field trips by offering over 30 rides and attractions, an indoor arcade and restaurant, concessions, and outdoor games. This amusement park is so popular that in 2009, the movie Adventureland starring Kristen Stewart and Jesse Eisenberg was released in theaters. Adventureland was based off the film director’s, Greg Mottola, experiences working at the amusement park in his teenage years. Even this author has years of fond memories filled with rides, games, and delicious fudge at Adventureland.
Not only is Adventureland a conveyor of fun, but it is also major employer in the area. Every year, Adventureland employs over 650 staff members -- most of which are high school or college students. In order for the park to meet NYS guidelines and re-open safely this summer, Adventureland would need to provide COVID prevention training and materials to every single employee. Although safety is Adventureland’s main priority, providing this training and materials to all employees would be a costly undertaking, especially for a company whose industry was shut down in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Through the use of WDI’s grants program, Adventureland will be able to provide employees with the proper safety training and materials necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19. By taking the proper precautions, Adventureland can safely open to the public and continue to create joyful new experiences for the next generation of park patrons.
