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 Kings Island located in Mason, 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 Kings Island, 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 Kings Island 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 Kings Island?

Kings Island opened in 1972 and almost 50 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 Kings Island every year. The park is very well known to have one of best collection of roller coasters than any other theme park in the world including some of the most famous classic roller coasters including Racer and the Beast, and offers other world class attractions and what ultimately draws approximately 3.47 million visitors to the park on a yearly basis. This year, Kings Island was supposed to debut its 15th roller coaster, Orion, a $30+ million Giga Coaster. The park has also had to postpone all its special events until next year as well. With these cancellations in place, let us make sure that the park does not cancel the entire 2020 season and that Orion has a chance to operate for guests this 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 Mason, Ohio also relies heavily on Kings Island to help generate money for the local economy and the numerous businesses and attractions in the area. Most importantly, Kings Island, after spending $30+ million this year on Orion cannot, and should not stay closed all season. The park relies on guests to come to the park to help generate revenue and should Kings Island not open this year, they will get any/no return on investment on their new ride/attraction and can have an adverse impact on the park in the future.

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 Kings Island 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 act should someone not follow the rules.

As it stands, we are kindly requesting that Kings Island 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 Kings Island 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.