SIX FLAGS DELAYS OPENING OF 2020 SEASON

 BY GABRIELLE

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New York, alongside its Hurricane Harbour waterpark, have delayed opening for the 2020 season.

Six Flags plans to open Great Adventure on May 21, 2020, almost seven weeks later than the original opening date of April 4.  The Hurricane Harbor waterpark is also due to open in mid-May or soon afterwards.

In a press statement, Six Flags said: While there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at the property, the safety of our guests, team members, and animals is always our highest priority. We will continue to closely monitor this evolving situation, and follow the most current guidance from federal, state, and local officials.”

A number of other theme parks have closed across the United States due to the coronavirus outbreak, including Disneyland, Universal Studios Florida Theme Park, Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, Universal Studios Hollywood, and many more.

SIX FLAGS CLOSING PARKS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES AMID COVID-19 OUTBREAK BY GABRIELLE

 BY GABRIELLE

Six Flags is shutting down its parks throughout the United States due to the outbreak of coronavirus.

In a statement, the park said it was to close its gates temporarily, suspending operation until the end of March when the situation will be reassessed.

Mike Spanos, president and CEO of Six Flags said: “Our goal is to support our team members and our communities by never compromising the safety of guests or employees.

“Since the onset of COVID-19, we have followed the guidance of federal, state and local authorities. As of today, many states have declared a state of emergency and are recommending that all non-essential gatherings of large groups be postponed or cancelled,” Spanos added.

SIX FLAGS GREAT ADVENTURE BECOMES ONE OF THE WORLD’S FIRST SOLAR-POWERED THEME PARKS

 BY GABRIELLE

Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey has become one of the first theme parks in the world to operate on solar power.

Six Flags, together with its sustainable energy partner, KDC Solar, have completed the joint 23.5-megawatt solar energy project.

The ambitious solar project at Great Adventure comprises of 11MW of solar carports, 12.5MW of solar panels across 40 acres and a net metering system which enables Six Flags to produce its own green energy and export power to the grid to provide homes and businesses in the vicinity with energy.

Another key eco feature of the project is the preservation of over 200 acres of wetlands and forests. The solar facility will mean Great Adventure will witness a dramatic reduction in its reliance on fossil fuels.

John Winkler, president of Six Flags Great Adventure Park, said the resort was continually looking for new ways to operate more efficiently and become commendable stewards of the environment.

“This is a thrilling day for our company. The project represents a giant step towards becoming a net-zero carbon facility,” Winkler commented.

“Clean energy is right for the environment and our future, and we look forward to decades of environmental stewardship with our partner, KDC Solar,” he added.

Alan Epstein, president and CEO of KDC Solar, said:

“Six Flags demonstrated its unwavering commitment to clean, solar power by its steadfast partnership with us throughout this process.

“This groundbreaking project perfectly aligns with both Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Senate and Assembly’s support of renewable solar energy. We look forward to a long-continued partnership with Six Flags Great Adventure,” Epstein added.

Hurricane Harbour New Jersey expands with 100,000-gallon activity pool

BY GABRIELLE

Hurricane Harbour in New Jersey has undergone a significant expansion with the addition of Calypso Springs, which features a 100,000-gallon activity pool.

The Calypso Springs activity pool is home to an erupting geyser and obelisk-style fountain. The pool is Six Flags’ Hurricane Harbour’s biggest new attraction since the waterpark was launched at the Six Flags Great Adventure site in New Jersey in 2000.

The popular, family waterpark is already home to a lazy river that stretches for half a mile, a million-gallon wave pool, over 25 rides and two interactive playgrounds for children.

John Winkler, Six Flags Great Adventure president, spoke of the expansion.

“Hurricane Harbor is an industry leader with the biggest and best water slides and thrilling interactive family attractions.

“This is the perfect time to debut our largest new addition to date with Calypso Springs. Its enormous new pool, expansive lounge deck and dining area offer the best place in the region to cool off, play and relax Six Flags style with family and friends,” Winkler added.