Advocates for amusement centers, theme parks call on state to provide reopening guidance

Amusement parks and family entertainment centers remain shuttered due to the pandemic, but some owners are pushing to change that, saying they can keep guests safe.

News 12 Staff

Sep 14, 2020, 9:56 PM

Updated 1,489 days ago

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Amusement parks and family entertainment centers remain shuttered due to the pandemic, but some owners are pushing to change that, saying they can keep guests safe.
Ryan D'Amico is spraying the arcade games at Laser Bounce with an antiviral fogger, one of several new safety measure the Levittown spot is ready to use when they can reopen.
Laser Bounce has also installed Plexiglas, sanitization stations, UV lights in air vents, a thermal temperature monitor and more.
One of the ways Laser Bounce is looking to keep customers safe is by turning off every other game, in order to ensure people are keeping their distance.
"This has cost us a lot of money coming out of our pocket, especially when we have no income coming into our business," says D'Amico, general manager of Laser Bounce.
But despite all of that work, there is no word yet on when amusement facilities can open up again. Adventureland co-owner Steven Gentile says more communication is needed, especially because he's been ready to open since July.
"We have all the PPE items we need, all the rides are marked up for social distancing," he says.
Over 50 New York arcade, amusement and attractions advocates have formed a coalition to call on the state for reopening guidance.
A spokesperson from Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office responded with a statement, saying, "With the threat of a second wave on the horizon, we are continuing to monitor how and when higher-risk industries like amusement parks can safely reopen."
Even still, the coalition is just looking for an opportunity.
"Give us the chance, show you, show Long Island, show the state that we can do it," says Gentile.