OLD FORGE, N.Y. – Enchanted Forest Water Safari will not be opening this summer, after postponing its scheduled opening date in June due to the coronavirus pandemic.
While some entertainment venues were allowed to reopen in Phase 4 if certain safety guidelines were met, theme parks were not included.
According to officials, the park is expected to reopen in 2021, featuring three new water slides that were slated to be introduced this year.
Management at the park says the decision was made after little to no communication from the state and the length of time the park has already been closed.
"At this point in the season, we haven't had a lot of communication from the state in regard to things being on hold. Realizing that there are spikes happening in other states and it's just become a point in the season or just doesn't make sense," said Vice President and Director of Marketing Katie Wojdyla.
Town of Webb Tourism Director Mike Farmer said this decision could have more economic impacts on the area's economy.
"Thousands of people on typical summer day that comes to water safari and everyone that comes to water safari comes to old forge. It's a huge impact in many many respects Water Safari is by far the largest attraction for our area," said Farmer.
******UPDATE****** Enchanted Forest Water Safari, New York's largest water theme park, will NOT open for the 2020...
Posted by Enchanted Forest Water Safari on Friday, July 31, 2020
Anyone who has purchased tickets or season passes already, can save them for next summer. They will be accepted next year regardless of the date on the ticket. Any reservations made will automatically be canceled.
People who have reserved cabanas for this summer should call 315-369-6145 to either cancel or forward the reservation to 2021.