Island Waterpark to remain closed in 2020. Here’s why and the status of other local parks
Island Waterpark alongside Highway 99 in Fresno will remain closed for the rest of the year.
The popular water park announced its 2020 season cancellation Wednesday, citing safety concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“In order to best serve our community and the Central Valley, we have made the difficult decision to cancel our 2020 operating season,” a statement on the Island Waterpark website read. “We are deeply disappointed, and this is not a decision that comes lightly.
“In all good conscience, we cannot provide the exciting experience that you have come to expect from Island Waterpark and still maintain the necessary social distancing.”
Coronavirus effect
Island Waterpark’s decision comes the same day Gov. Gavin Newsom cited birthday parties, children’s play dates and other private gatherings as reason for the continued climb of COVID-19 cases throughout the state.
The Fresno County Department of Health reported on Wednesday 220 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, including another death.
In all, Fresno County has had 3,892 positive coronavirus cases and 71 deaths that are related to COVID-19 through Wednesday.
Island Waterpark never a chance to open in 2020 with businesses such as water parks initially shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The water park worked with health experts, industry associations and the Centers for Disease Control to figure out a way to open while addressing all aspects of safety practices, including social distancing, sanitization and reduced capacity.
No evidence COVID-19 spreads in pool
The park also noted “there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread through properly maintained pool water.”
Nonetheless, with June almost over and no concrete plans in place to ensure safety for its employees and guests, Island Waterpark elected to keep its doors closed.
“The safety and well-being of our guests and team members is, as it has always been, our main priority and concern,” Island Waterpark said in its online statement. “We have monitored all California public health orders issued by the State, County, and City. ...
“This is our way of doing our part to keep you safe and get our great State of California healthy and back on its feet.”
Island Waterpark said all purchased season passes will automatically be extended for use through the 2021 season. A refund will be provided upon request.
In addition, Island Waterpark said it plans to spend the offseason making park enhancements.
Wild Water Adventure
Wild Water Adventure Park in Clovis remains closed but posted on its site that it still awaits permission to open from the Fresno County health department.
Wild Water stated that the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in Fresno caused the county to move back the park’s opening date.
Visalia Adventure Park
Visalia Adventure Park has been open since late May.
Guests’ temperatures are taken before walking through the park gates.
Miniature golf, bumper boats and the water slides all have been open to the public.
Tulare County confirmed an additional 113 cases, and one new related death, in its Thursday update. That brings Tulare County’s total to 3,646 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 119 deaths related to the coronavirus.
This story was originally published June 24, 2020 at 7:46 PM.