Paultons Park has said it will be “ready and waiting” to welcome guests back as soon as the government allows it to do so.
Like most other businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the British theme park industry to a grinding halt.
Speaking to RideRater, a spokesperson for Paultons Park said that the park would look to re-open as soon as it is given the go-ahead.
“Easter is traditionally a busy time and so naturally we’re disappointed that we’re unable to open at present,” they said.
The park said it was “particularly sad” to have to delay the opening of the new 1950s Americana-themed area Tornado Springs until 2021.
“Everyone had worked so hard on creating this magical new land. However, the priority is absolutely protecting the NHS, keeping people safe and saving lives. The entire leisure and hospitality industry are in the same situation.”
‘Ready and waiting’
Behind the scenes work goes on, with animal tenders, gardeners and engineers continuing to look after the Hampshire attraction.
“When the time comes we will be ready and waiting to welcome guests back to the park and to provide some much needed enjoyment for families around the country,” Paultons said.
The park says it is monitoring the COVID-19 situation “very closely”, and awaits an indication from the government as to when the current restrictions will be eased.
They said it was too early to comment on the specific arrangements of how the re-opened theme park would operate in terms of social distancing.
“The government has not yet set out its plans for the easing of restrictions and what that may mean in practical terms for attractions,” they said.
‘Exciting plans’
The spokesperson said the Paultons team had been “heartened by wonderful messages of support” from the public throughout the coronavirus crisis.
“[It] illustrates just how loved and valued Paultons Park is by families all over the UK,” they said.
The park says it has “exciting plans” for the future which it cannot yet share, but the timing of which may be impacted by COVID-19.
“We will have to wait and see what happens,” the spokesperson added.
“The safety of the public is of utmost importance, and while we are disappointed that we are unable to welcome guests at present, we look forward to being able to do so as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.”