Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has set its reopening date under state guidelines, making it the first amusement park to reopen in California amid COVID-19.
The amusement park is reopening on November 7 after Santa Cruz County moved into the ‘orange’ tier under Governor Gavin Newsom‘s Blueprint for a Safer Economy (via The Sun).
Modifications in this tier include limiting capacity to 25 percent or 500 people, only opening outdoor attractions, and enforcing advance reservations.
However, larger theme parks such as Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood are unable to reopen until the respective county is in the ‘yellow’ tier.
“State of California guidelines limit ride purchases to Santa Cruz County residents only and require advanced reservations,” reads a statement.
Beach Boardwalk reopening on November 7
“Indoor arcades remain closed due to COVID‑19 restrictions.”
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk will be offering a selection of outdoor arcade games, as well as limited F&B and retail options. Boardwalk Bowl and Buccaneer Bay Mini Golf are also opening on November 7.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk will be the first attraction in the state to feature operating roller coasters, including the Giant Dipper and Undertow.
In addition, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk will debut its new ride Lighthouse Liftoff, and plans to operate Fireball, Shockwave, Sky Glider and Sea Swings, as well as family-friendly rides Kiddie Cruzers and Jet Copters.
Roller coasters finally returning to California
Disney has reopened parks in Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong . However, Disneyland is still closed in California and Disneyland Paris temporarily shut in France.
Disneyland recently fired back after California released restrictive new guidelines under which theme parks in the state could reopen with modifications amid COVID-19.
California theme parks are also exploring legal action in order to pressure the state into allowing them to reopen, revealed during a virtual press conference held by CAPA.
Images: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
