Cleaning, chlorine and capacity will be the buzzwords at Lake Winnepesaukah as the North Georgia amusement park begins the first phase of a summer opening delayed by the novel coronavirus.
According to park spokeswoman Talley Green, Phase 1 applies only to the opening of the SoakYa water park on June 20. She did not address the "dry side" of the park, saying only that Phase 2 "is still under development."
Georgia's amusement parks are among the last set of businesses to remain closed based on Gov. Brian Kemp's orders. Those restrictions are being eased Friday.
Green said the water park, which typically opens Memorial Day weekend, will be practicing all safety guidelines and protocols from the Georgia Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to the CDC, there is no evidence that COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, can be spread to humans through the use of pools and hot tubs that are properly operated, maintained and disinfected.
Other regional parks
* Six Flags Over Georgia: Opens June 15 for members and pass holders, June 22 for all visitors. Six Flags White Water opens June 29 for members and pass holders, July 3 for all visitors. * Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country: Open June 15 to pass holders, June 17 for all visitors.
"We already have detailed, stringent sanitation protocols in place, and we are also taking additional precautions in preparation for our opening to keep our guests and employees safe with our Clean Team," said Green.
Enhanced sanitation measures include more frequent cleaning of high-touch areas and additional hand-sanitizing locations. Chlorine and pH levels will continue to be constantly inspected to ensure guest safety, Green said. Life jackets will be cleaned and sanitized after each use.
Green said all guests are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings, and they will be required to maintain 6-foot physical-distancing rules whether using the rides or waiting in line.
The park will operate at half capacity, which will be "monitored and adjusted depending on what physical-distancing rules are being maintained and enforced," she said.
Admission procedures also will change. All tickets, including for locker and cabana rentals, will be sold online, requiring guests to reserve a date for their visit at www.lakewinnie.com.
Green said employees will have daily temperature scans and symptom screenings. Those who come in constant contact with guests will be wearing face masks.
Email Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com.