Futuroscope theme park is getting ready to reopen when the French government gives it the green light.
Futuroscope had barely reopened for the season in February when it was forced to close because of the coronavirus pandemic.
20 Minutes reports that the park is planning its reopening strategy. The park’s priority “remains the health of our employees and visitors” according to Laure Mosseron, the Marketing and Communication Director at the theme park.
Preparing for reopening
Mosseron said that “everyone is waiting impatiently for the government’s directives and the conditions on how we will be able to reopen, knowing that we would like to restart for the summer season.”
Although the park has around 700 employees who are on partial unemployment, some employees at Futuroscope have been put back to work so that the park can reopen as quickly as possible. According to Mosseron, there are “around 50 people at work”.
These have mainly been security guards, however this week some technicians returned to work. These technicians have been testing rides in rotation.
Social Distancing
Futuroscope has been considering what its reopening will look like. It is focusing “in particular on social distancing” states Mosseron. Social distancing should occur between different groups within the park.
But social distancing will also have to take place on rides, not just within the park. For attractions where seats are spaced out, no further action will be needed. However, other attractions will need more attention. Some seats may not be filled to allow for social distancing. Some attractions may not be able to operate at all.
Cleaning procedures
“There is also the question of disinfection: if it is necessary to clean between each session, this will lengthen the time, and it will also cause a loss of capacity” explains Mosseron. In order to provide a good quality of experience for visitors, the park is likely to reduce the number of guests in the park. This will “guarantee the number of attractions to which they are entitled.”
Cleaning procedures will be increased throughout the park, with hand sanitiser stations placed throughout the park.
Food and beverage offerings will also change. “I’m not sure”, Mosseron said, “that we can continue the buffets in which people serve themselves.” Some restaurants may not reopen in order to keep guests and staff safe.
Guillaume, tech audiovisuel #Futuroscope, continue d'imprimer en 3D 100 visières de protection par semaine + des ouvre-portes + des supports de masques élastiques pour les soignants, EHPAD, magasins… et ses collègues qui interviennent dans le parc #SolidariteCOVID19 #TousUnis pic.twitter.com/m2E4YNvJrl
— Futuroscope (@futuroscope) April 24, 2020
Meanwhile, some Futuroscope staff have kept themselves busy while the park is closed. The technician who is in charge of the 3D printer took it home and is making visors. He is producing 170 each week.
Futuroscope’s newest attraction, ‘Objectif Mars’ was due to open in March. The family-friendly ride cost nearly €20 million and is the largest investment in the park since it opened,
