Cedar Point opens, adapting to pandemic

Considering what a whirlwind and emotional year it's been so far, the notion of screaming on a roller coaster sounds pretty good right about now. Thrill seekers can do just that this summer with social distancing protocols in place at the recently reopened and revamped Cedar Point. "Just like any park in the nation that wants to remain open for folks to have an escape from everyday life, we have protocols in place to make sure we're doing everything we can to maintain a safe environment," Cedar Point Director of Communications Tony Clark said. For the better part of the spring Clark said the Cedar Point team worked on creating a plan that would adhere to state safety guidelines while also allowing visitors to enjoy the park. In addition to requiring all guests to purchase an online reservation tied to a specific day to attend the park, Cedar Point's capacity had been severely reduced (estimated at 20 percent or between 10,000 to 12,000 guests). While the park is requiring face masks for everyone age 2 and over, Clark said guests will have access to four RelaxZones where masks can be removed while people relax. Six-feet social distancing will be required for ride queues, as well as food locations and retail shops. Considering the wearing of masks has become a divisive issue, Clark had this message for potential Cedar Point visitors. "The face covering policy is pretty clear because we're in the midst of a pandemic and it's a threat to the community," Clark said. "That's what our business is doing to keep our guests and associates safe. "If guests previously bought a season pass, a gold pass, a platinum pass and don't want to follow those guidelines, they're all valid for 2021. So if this year is just not your year to visit, you're welcome to come back in 2021 as well. There are lots of options. We understand the face covering thing is new for everyone — including us — but that's why those RelaxZones are set up to help alleviate some of the worry." While the on-site Cedar Point app has been available for years, this summer online access while in the park is basically required providing guests ride wait times and info on closed attractions. Also, prior to entering the park all guests must use the app to fill out a health questionnaire. The other notable aspect of Cedar Point in the summer of 2020 is the park is unable to fully celebrate its 150th anniversary. "That's been postponed to 2021," Clark said. "That includes the Snake River Expedition ride, the Celebrate 150 Spectacular Parade and all of the other little guest treats. Also, attractions such as Forbidden Frontier — where you can't socially distance — will not open. "But your favorites — Steel Vengeance, Millennium Force and the kids' areas — will be open, as well as all of your food locations. So you're still going to get cheese on a stick, an elephant ear and fresh cut fries." Currently Cedar Point hopes to extend its season through the annual HalloWeekends appearing weekends through October. When taking into consideration the spring and summer of 2020 are filled with one canceled or closed attraction after another, the notion of the roller coaster capital of the world providing an opportunity for tradition and fun isn't taken lightly by the Cedar Point staff. However, Clark noted it does require the public to buy into the safety protocols. "Our job here is to make people happy," Clark said. "That's something we've always done. It's what we're going to continue to do. We want to be that place where families can come and have a great time together and kind of escape everyday life. We're going to do that again, and we're going to do it even safer than before. "So, it's still the same Cedar Point, but as long as our guests play by the rules just as much as we're playing by the rules, we'll be able to continue offering that fun for the rest of the summer." Contact John Benson at Ndiffrence@att.net.