Mass. thrill-seekers will have to wait for amusement park reopenings

BOSTON — In the New England amusement park business, the summer season is prime time.

Summer is the one time of year when temperatures are high, children are home from school, and families head to amusement parks to share a day or two of thrills and excitement.

The COVID-19 crisis has changed everything, leaving New England amusement parks empty.

But that is changing.

Canobie Lake Park in Salem, New Hampshire announced on its website this week, that it is fully reopening on July 16th, ensuring the long time favorite will salvage part of the lucrative summer season. Since Canobie Lake Park is only minutes from the state line, Massachusetts residents have long been attracted to the park.

But when July 16th rolls around, its likely Canobie’s parking lot will see even more Massachusetts license plates than usual - mainly because Massachusetts amusement parks have no idea when they might reopen.

Under the state’s COVID-19 phased reopening plan, amusement parks are shut down until Phase 4, and there no tentative date for when we will enter Phase 4.

As of this writing, Massachusetts is in Phase 2.

At the State House, we asked Governor Charlie Baker if he might push amusement parks up to an earlier phase, and he basically said no.

“We are going to continue to be careful and vigilant about the reopening process,” said Baker. “Based on all the evidence, not just here in Massachusetts, but elsewhere, it’s important that we respect the virus and not get too far ahead of ourselves.”

At Agawam’s Six Flags New England, park officials are preparing for reopening, whenever that is.

They’ve installed new state-of-the-art thermal imaging to take the temperature of park guests, they’ve added touchless bag security and will require all guests, ages two and up, to wear masks.

Six Flags New England said in a statement to Boston 25 News it is ready to reopen and is willing to wait as long as it takes.

“Our goal is to provide a safe, fun and memorable experience…we will open when it is safe and deemed by the state to do so,” the statement said in part.

Download the free Boston 25 News app for up-to-the-minute push alerts

>> Complete local and national coronavirus coverage here

RESOURCES:

- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information

- Boston Coronavirus Information

- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter | Watch Boston 25 NOW

- Download our free apps for your phone and smart TV