Kennywood, a nearly 130-year-old amusement park outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is tightening its summer chaperone policy as parks around the country experience violent brawls and unruly teen crowds heading into the heart of the season. The popular Pennsylvania amusement venue said guests ages 15 and under must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or other supervising adult during all operating hours, effective June 12.
New Policy Details
The updated policy will apply through Sept. 7, according to a company statement. The move follows several high-profile incidents at amusement parks in recent weeks, including at Six Flags St. Louis on opening day, when multiple brawls involving as many as 100 people prompted a police response and forced the park to close early.
Kennywood’s news also follows an opening-day brawl at Hersheypark in Pennsylvania, in which 55 people — including 52 minors and three young adults between ages 12 and 19 — were charged after a large fight broke out on April 3, according to police.
A company spokesperson told Fox News Digital that this was a proactive measure and part of their ongoing commitment to preserving the welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere that has defined Kennywood for nearly 130 years.
Chaperone Requirements
Under the new rules, guests who cannot show proof they are at least 16 will not be allowed to enter without a qualifying chaperone. The chaperones must be at least 21 years old and present a valid government-issued photo ID. Each chaperone may accompany up to six guests ages 15 and under.
When the group enters the park, the chaperone must be present — and the chaperone must remain inside the park for the entire visit, though Kennywood said the adult does not need to physically stay with the minors at all times. Guests 15 and under must be able to contact their onsite chaperone throughout the visit.
The park said the new policy extends its previous summer chaperone rules from a 4 p.m. start time to all-day enforcement, while lowering the age requirement from guests 17 and under to guests 15 and under.
Reactions and Precautions
Online, many people praised the owners for taking decisive action. The park also noted that responsibility for children attending Kennywood rests with parents, guardians or assigned chaperones — not park personnel.
Kennywood is located in West Mifflin, about 10 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. Opened in 1898, it is one of only two amusement parks in the U.S. designated as a National Historic Landmark.
The park said all guests must also pass through a weapons detection system at the front gate during the summer, and only bags 15 inches by 15 inches by 15 inches are permitted — with exceptions for medical and diaper bags.
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