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Los Angeles County theme parks want to reopen by July

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Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain want to reopen by July 1. The theme parks in Los Angeles County are ready to begin the reopening process immediately amid COVID-19.

The plan for reopening Universal, Six Flags and Pacific Park was presented to the Economic Resiliency Task Force of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on June 2 (via Los Angeles Daily News).

Universal Studios Hollywood president Karen Irwin represents Universal, Six Flags Magic Mountain and Pacific Park on the LA County task force.

“We would like approval to begin the reopening process immediately,” Irwin told the task force. “LA County parks will be ready to begin reopening between mid-June and July 1.”

Reopening plans presented to LA County task force

“Six Flags Magic Mountain is pleased to be working in tandem with LA County officials and our theme park industry partners to begin the process of readying our parks for reopening in the safest way possible,” said Six Flags Magic Mountain president Neal Thurman.

“Our employees are eager to return to work, and we are looking forward to once again providing fun and excitement for our guests.”

California is yet to reopen any theme parks, although Legoland California and SeaWorld San Diego plan to reopen on July 1.

Disneyland, Universal, SeaWorld and other theme parks in California can reopen in Stage 3 of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s four-part reopening plan.

Pacific Park wants to reopen by July in Santa Monica

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“I know that the state intends to take a look at what’s happening in Florida,” NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell told the task force.

“We’re going to have a real-life example over the next couple weeks of whether we can operate in this model safely, which we are very confident we can.”

Irwin said that Universal Studios Hollywood plans to reopen in phases, adding that theme parks can easily limit capacity and manage visitor flow.

“Many people instinctively think that large theme parks with crowds would be the last thing that should reopen,” said Irwin.

Theme parks can limit capacity, manage visitor flow

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“While this misperception is understandable, theme parks actually offer a more controlled environment than places like beaches, gardens or even hiking trails.”

Theme parks in California are expected to implement social distancing, enhanced hygiene, contactless payments, reduced capacity and staff training.

Irwin also said visitors to LA County parks can expect to undergo temperature checks and will be asked to wear face masks.

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Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

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