While the company has not yet announced when its parks are expected to reopen to the public, Six Flags released a video May 26 outlining new safety protocols that will be in place across each of its 22 parks, including Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown in Spring, upon reopening.
In addition to the park system’s new online guest reservation system, which was announced in mid-May, Six Flags is implementing a number of other new safety enhancements to curb the spread of COVID-19.
According to Six Flags Communications Manager Sharon Parker, these safety enhancements include new cutting-edge thermal imaging that will be used to take temperatures of all guests and team members entering the park; new high-tech security screenings to allow for no-touch bag check, which will make entry into the park quicker and safer; expanded use of mobile food ordering and increased emphasis on cashless transactions, including the use of reverse ATMs.
“At Six Flags, your safety is always our No. 1 priority, and we have developed a comprehensive plan of new health and safety measures to help keep our guests and team members safe,” Parker said in the video.
Parker said all guests and team members will be required to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth while in the park, with the only exceptions being children age 2 or younger and individuals with breathing problems. Masks will also be available for purchase at the front gate.
Additionally, Parker said social social distancing will be strictly enforced throughout the parks with clear markers showing guests where to stand in queue lines for park entry, restrooms and dining as well as where to sit on rides and attractions.
“We will soon be launching a new virtual queue system for ride lines,” Parker said in the video. “You will be allowed to remain with your small group or family members, but we do ask that you respect others and the park by keeping a safe distance.”
In addition to increased cleaning and disinfection in high-traffic zones and areas including restrooms, dining areas, ride seats and restraints and queue line railings, each park will also have multiple hand sanitizer and hand washing stations at the entrances and exits of rides.
While Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a proclamation May 26 allowing water parks to reopen at 25% capacity starting May 29, Six Flags officials have not yet announced when Hurricane Harbor Splashtown will reopen.
Updated May 15 at 4:42 p.m.
To comply with social distancing guidelines and enhance guests' safety, upon reopening this season Six Flags will be implementing reservation systems across each of its 22 parks, including Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown in Spring.
According to a new page on the Six Flags National website, the company will be setting capacity limits in accordance with social distancing guidelines for each of its parks to eliminate overcrowding upon reopening. The new reservation system will enable park staff to enforce that capacity limit by allowing guests to select the date and time they would like to visit the park.
"While specific caps on attendance have not been established or announced, the safety and well-being of our guests and team members is our top priority, and we want to provide adequate space to maintain a safe distance from other guests," the statement reads. "Without a reservation system, there is the risk that more guests will show up than we are able to accommodate."
According to the statement, the reservation system will allow park staff to limit the number of guests at the front gate at any given time and guests will only be allowed to enter the park during the time period initially selected. The reservation system will also include a video outlining Six Flags' new social distancing and enhanced sanitizing procedures.
While the reservation system will not go online until shortly before each park reopens, members and season pass holders will be granted access to the system before it opens to the public, according to the website.
Posted April 29 at 12:06 p.m.
After delaying the opening of its 2020 season in late March due to the coronavirus pandemic, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown is now planning to open in Spring in mid-May or "as soon as possible thereafter," according to a March 30 news release.
According to the release, there have been no reported coronavirus cases at the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown property and the Spring waterpark is just one of 22 Six Flags parks that are temporarily closed due to the pandemic across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Other Six Flags parks in Texas that have temporarily suspended operations or delayed opening include Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Arlington and Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio.
"The top priority at Six Flags is the safety and well-being of our guests and team members," said Mike Spanos, president and CEO of Six Flags Entertainment Corp., in a statement. "We continue to monitor and follow the guidance of federal, state and local officials regarding COVID-19. We thank you for your patience and understanding as we all work through this challenging situation."
For those with prepaid tickets, the release states that valid dates have been extended to the end of the 2020 season. Additionally, 2020 season passes will be extended for the number of operating days the park is temporarily closed, and Six Flags Over Texas members will receive one additional month for each month that the park is closed, plus a free membership-level upgrade for the rest of the 2020 season.
For more information about the temporary closure and answers to frequently asked questions, click here.
