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April 22, 2020 VIRAL BUSINESS

No fun: Amusement parks delay opening amid pandemic

IMAGE | Courtesy Lake Compounce A rendering of Lake Compounce's new Venus Vortex ride.
By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

It was supposed to be an exciting opening at Lake Compounce, which has generated buzz with the planned debut of its new, giant “Venus Vortex” water slide this summer. 

Instead, the coronavirus pandemic has pushed back the planned openings of both the Bristol amusement park and Quassy Amusement & Waterpark in Middlebury. The popular parks attract thousands of visitors each year seeking to enjoy roller coasters, water rides, food and games. 

Lake Compounce announced on its website that it won’t be able to start its season on Saturday, May 2 as it had originally planned. When will it open? That remains to be determined, but park officials are optimistic that they’ll be able to open some time in 2020.

“While it is too soon to confidently provide an opening date due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 situation, we do remain committed to opening our park as soon as safely possible,” said Amy Thomas, Lake Compounce’s director of marketing, via email Wednesday.

Guests will have to wait to try the Venus Vortex, a six-story raft ride meant to resemble the mouth of a hungry venus flytrap, in the park’s Crocodile Cove water park. Early season school outings are being rescheduled.

The announcement cites the uncertainty due to COVID-19, as well as the park’s priority to ensure the safety of its staff and guests for the decision to postpone opening. Management indicates that it is closely following guidelines provided by federal, state and local government officials and health experts. 

Guests aboard the Boulder Dash roller coaster at Lake Compounce. 

Gov. Ned Lamont has ordered all “non-essential” businesses to close until May 20, a date which may be pushed back again depending on the impact of the virus.

Quassy, which also planned to open in early May, told guests on its website that it “cannot determine a date the park might open at this time.”

Quassy management said it will make an announcement when government officials provide them with guidance about when it would be considered safe to open the park. 

Once they do reopen, both Lake Compounce and Quassy plan to take steps to help ensure the safety of guests and employees, from cleaning rides to installing hand sanitizer dispensers. 

In addition to employing hundreds of seasonal workers, the amusement parks typically boost nearby businesses too, as some visitors take advantage of nearby shops and lodging.

For more information on the delayed openings, and the impact on season passes and hiring, visit the parks' websites HERE and HERE.

Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com.

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