Due to the unfortunate recent events and circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 Pandemic, Governor Mike DeWine has made the difficult decision to delay the 2020 opening of Cedar Point located in Sandusky, Ohio, and it’s currently unknown if or when the park will open for the 2020 season. I strongly believe that it's worth a shot, with the right support from the many proud employees at Cedar Point, and the hundreds, to thousands to millions of fans of the park alongside the hundreds of people with season passes, to try and help allow the park to open for the summer and the rest of the 2020 season by following the safety guidelines and regulations that will be in place at other amusement/theme parks in the U.S. when they are allowed to reopen. These new safety guidelines will be crucial this year for the utmost safety of the guests and employees.

To give a perspective of what new safety guidelines/policies/procedures that will be in place at parks across the U.S. this year when they are given the “ok” to open up, let’s look at Six Flags Entertainment Corporation as an example. Michael Spanos, the CEO if the company stated "Once Six Flags parks reopen, strict safety measures will be in place, including face masks, temperature checks, and reduced attendance. Guests at Six Flags theme parks will experience mobile ordering and cashless transactions. Social distancing measures will remain in place, with guests being asked to remain six feet from each other. Fewer guests will be admitted to rides and there will be floor markers to help people keep their distance. Six Flags has said that it is testing virtual queuing, which should be available in the next few months. The parks will be sanitized more regularly, with rides being wiped down throughout the day and hand-washing and hand-sanitizing stations installed throughout Six Flags". I strongly believe that should Cedar Point be committed to following similar guidelines, that they should have the right to open and bring thrills to millions of guests this season.

Several other parks are being allowed to reopen this year with similar guidelines/policies/procedures in place, so why can't Cedar Point?

Cedar Point opened in 1870 and 150 years later it still attracts more than three (3) million guests each year making it one of the most popular theme parks in the U.S. Not only do locals frequently go to the park, but thousands of people from all over the United States and the world make the special pilgrimage to go to Cedar Point every year. The park is very well known to have the best collection of roller coasters than any other theme park in the world, and offers other world class attractions and what ultimately draws approximately 3.6 million visitors to the park on a yearly basis and what gives the park the slogan of “A Place Like No Other” and “America’s Roller-Coast”. This year, Cedar Point was supposed to celebrate its 150th anniversary however, due to COVID-19, the park was unfortunately forced to postpone the anniversary celebration to 2021. The park has also had to postpone all its special events until next year as well. With these cancellations in place, let’s make sure that the park doesn’t cancel the entire 2020 season.

I want to make it very clear that I, as the creator of this petition am very well aware that there will be those who are not willing to risk their health and attend the park as well as some employees not willing to work and risk their health. I will certainly hold nothing against you and fully support their decision(s), however, I know for a fact that there are people desperate for the park to open this season and to go have fun with their families and friends and for some, return to work and help provide income for themselves and their families. I know that if enough people sign this petition, that it will show who is willing to attend the park this year. Also, having guests attend the park is crucial for the park to make money/generate revenue. While yes, this year the attendance may be lower compared to other years, some attendance is much better off than none and it all counts. Just like there are those who flock to the park on rainy days, or when it’s cold out etc...I know there will be those who will come to the park this year, even in/during this pandemic currently going on. The local area of Sandusky, Ohio also relies heavily on Cedar Point to help generate money for the local economy and the numerous businesses and attractions in the area. The city of Sandusky, Ohio is already losing $3.5 million a week in tax revenue due to the park being closed. Cedar Point helps generate $400 million in just one season alone. 

While we understand and know very well that the safety and health of the guests and employees is always top priority, I have no doubt in my mind and can promise you based on my experience going to the park that Cedar Point will have no problem following the guidelines/policies/procedures addressed and laid out by other amusement/theme park companies this year in response to COVID-19, and will be committed to the guests and employees safety and will be eager to welcome the guests back to the park for the 2020 season. I can assure you that the park will stay on top of making sure their guests and employees are actively following the safety measures in place and will take action should someone not follow the rules.

As it stands, we are kindly requesting that Cedar Point has a chance to open this year for the 2020 season while following the guidelines that will be enforced at other parks when they open and be allowed to thrill many people this year/season and for the employees who love their jobs and coworkers to return to work. Please understand that this petition that I am creating, and for the supporters signing it is not to come across as selfish and inconsiderate, but as coming off as folks who generally care about their jobs at the park and who absolutely care about the company and the companies mission in general. This petition is going out because we all love, care and respect Cedar Point as a company and its hardworking and dedicated employees. Please take this as well as all the people signing the petition into consideration when making and finalizing your decision.

Thank you for your time, consideration and understanding.