Patrons cite concerns about crowds at Lagoon
Oct 25, 2020, 7:34 PM | Updated: 8:10 pm
FILE: Guests wear face coverings as they arrive at Lagoon in Farmington on Monday, June 15, 2020. Recently, some patrons of the amusement park have voiced concern about the number of people allowed in the park and its commitment to social distancing. Photo credit: Steve Griffin, Deseret News
FARMINGTON, Utah — Several patrons at Lagoon cited concerns over the weekend about large gatherings and long lines inside the state’s most popular amusement park.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the park has implemented several guidelines in an effort to curb the spread of the virus. These include face coverings within lines and social distancing between groups.
The park also operates through a ticket reservation system, in an effort to avoid reaching guest capacity. However, many guests complained that park employees aren’t enforcing those guidelines.
“There was no way we could socially distance and I was really concerned,” Anne Casey said to KSL TV. “For me and my friends, we wanted to be safe.”
“More people than I have ever seen.”
Casey, along with her group of friends, went to Lagoon Saturday — noting they were reassured by the precautions put in place. However, when they arrived she said she was concerned by what she saw.
“We bought our tickets, we reserved a time that we thought might help with what they’re doing,” Casey said. “I’ve gone to Lagoon my whole life and this is more [people] than I have ever seen.”
With the massive crowds, Casey said there was “no way” she could properly distance herself from other patrons. Instead, she decided to see if she could exchange her tickets to return another day.
“Not a refund. Just a day to come back when it’s not so crowded,” she said. “They wouldn’t even let us do that.”
Because the tickets were nonrefundable, Casey was denied a raincheck.
Park officials respond
Despite the concerns from Casey — and several other guests that weekend — park officials say Lagoon is operating safely.
“We feel very confident within the 200 acres that people are able to socially distance and wear masks in public,” said Adam Leishman, park spokesperson.
Leishman said park employees encourage face masks within the park — aligning with health guidelines from local government officials.
In fact, he said the park was working closely with the Davis County Health Department and operating under guest capacity.
“As far as comparisons from last year, we are well under half of our capacity from last year,” Leishman said.
Davis County is considered to be under “high transmission” for COVID-19 in Utah. That means the county is under requirements for face masks, according to the governor’s guidelines.
