Kennywood, an amusement park located near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has announced a new chaperone policy effective June 12, requiring guests aged 15 and under to be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or supervising adult during all operating hours. This policy will remain in effect until September 7. The decision comes in response to recent violent incidents at amusement parks across the country, including multiple brawls at Six Flags St. Louis and a large fight at Hersheypark, where 55 individuals were charged following an altercation.
A spokesperson for Kennywood stated that the updated policy aims to maintain a family-friendly atmosphere at the park. Under the new rules, guests who cannot prove they are at least 16 years old will not be allowed entry without a qualifying chaperone, who must be at least 21 years old and present a valid government-issued photo ID. Each chaperone may supervise up to six guests aged 15 and under, and they must remain in the park for the entire visit.
Kennywood's policy extends previous summer chaperone rules by enforcing all-day supervision and lowering the age requirement from 17 to 15. The park will also implement a weapons detection system at the entrance and restrict bag sizes. Organized group events, such as school and church outings, will be exempt from the new rules. The park's management and security will enforce the policy, and any guests found without a qualifying chaperone may be removed from the premises.