Kennywood in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania has announced a series of new security measures after a shooting on Saturday (24 September) that wounded three people.
In a statement, Kennywood said it continues to collaborate with law enforcement on their investigation and shared its new and ongoing security enhancements.
The attraction will double the number of police officers “contracted through local law enforcement agencies for each night of Phantom Fall Fast”. There will also be a more visible police presence at the entrance and throughout the park.
Kennywood has cut down the trees along the fence line “to improve sight lines”, and new flood lights and security cameras are being installed “for better monitoring”.
Police support, chaperone policy and bag checks
In addition, the park is limiting bag sizes and requires adults to chaperone visitors who are 17 years old or younger at all times during Phantom Fall Fest.
The theme park’s weapons detection system, which was installed this spring, is “working as designed”. However, Kennywood has removed its prior screening system to “eliminate guest confusion”.
Although the new system can screen bags and visitors via cameras and metal detection “to identify those in need of further inspection”, Kennywood will “implement additional spot checking of bags as a precautionary measure“.
As for facial coverings, masks that cover “some or all of a person’s face” must not be worn by guests after 6pm, except surgical or N95/KN95 face masks.
Park officials also released the following statement:
“The Kennywood team keeps those injured Saturday in our thoughts. As we prepare to open this weekend, please know we are fully committed to enhancing our operations to allow guests to enjoy a safe, fun experience.
“We will continue consulting with law enforcement on additional safety measures to implement.”
In a statement on 25 September, Kennywood said: “We are greatly saddened by the violence that occurred Saturday night. Our thoughts are with those who were injured as a result of the incident, as well as all guests and team members affected by what happened.
“We have made services available for team members in need of support at this time. We are closely collaborating with police as they investigate.”
Elsewhere, Knott’s Berry Farm in California extended its chaperone policy for the Knott’s Scary Farm Halloween event after fights involving teenagers broke out at the park.
Images: Kennywood
