Kennywood, Sandcastle, Idlewild set 2020 opening date

Kennywood, Sandcastle and Idlewild parks will open their gates next month. But the coronavirus pandemic will create a different landscape at the parks, as it has with so many other aspects of life.

The three parks will open to the public July 11, though season-pass holders will be welcome beginning July 7.

“We know how important these parks are to the people of this region and will do what’s needed to keep people safe when visiting us,” Sandcastle general manager Tom Radovic said in a statement.

Guests will have to make reservations in advance for the day on which they want to visit, according to park officials. The reservation system will go live online June 17, though not all days will be released at once. If a day isn’t available in the RSVP system, that means the park has already reached capacity for that day.

Tickets no longer will be sold at the gates, and ticket sales for community or school district days will be done online.

The move is meant to limit the number of people in the park to make social distancing easier, according to park spokesman Nick Paradise. In addition, employees also will limit the number of people on each ride, in each pool and in all restaurants and other park buildings.

“With our parks spread across dozens of acres, we have the space to effectively distance our visitors and provide the good, clean fun we have delivered to families for generations,” Idlewild general manager Brandon Leonatti said.

It's the news you've been waiting for: Kennywood will open to the public on Saturday, July 11!

The health and safety of our Guests & Team Members continues to be our top priority. Read all about our new measures and plans for this summer: https://t.co/u401CN2Ajr pic.twitter.com/Aox0rMSv2s

— Kennywood Park (@Kenny_Kangaroo) June 10, 2020

Park officials announced last month that 2020 season passes would be honored through 2021 — including passes purchased through June 14.

Masks will be required, and all guests and employees will have their temperatures checked before going inside. Anyone with a temperature above 100.4 degrees or who has other symptoms will not be allowed to enter.

In addition to other precautions, cleaning crews will sanitize frequently touched surfaces and rides throughout the day, and social distancing guidelines will be in place.

For more information, click here.