Water park that refused to close despite COVID-19 will lose permit, CA officials say
A California water park that’s stayed open despite COVID-19 rules will lose its permit, officials say.
WaterWorks Park in Redding opened on June 5 in violation of California’s coronavirus rules and “repeated direction” not to do so, according to the Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency. It has continued to operate since then — sparking a nearly two-months long battle with health officials.
On July 10, health officials in a letter ordered WaterWorks Park to close and stay closed until the state allowed it to reopen, the agency says.
Water parks with slides, rides and other attractions are not allowed to reopen due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19, per the HHSA.
Shasta County has reported 295 cases of the coronavirus, 41 of which are active, according to the health department. California has reported 445,400 cases, according to the state Department of Public Health — making it one of the hardest hit states in the country.
“Each day the park is open, large numbers of unrelated people, some from outside the area, gather in the park without social distancing or face coverings,” the agency said in a news release.
The letter on July 10 warned “further action may be considered” if the park continued to operate.
But WaterWorks CEO and president Joseph Murphy said in a July 15 statement on the park’s website that the park has followed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and will be staying open until August.
The park also requires the use of face masks in lines for entrance, tickets, food and in the gift shop, its website says.
“Don’t ruin the fun for everyone,” the site says.
On July 22, the Shasta County Environmental Health Division notified the park that it will revoke its public pool permit on Monday “due to its continued operation in violation of state industry guidance” and “being an immediate threat to public health and safety,” the HHSA said Saturday.
“The public is advised to not use WaterWorks Park pool facilities at this time,” the agency said.
The park will shut down Aug. 3 “due to the edict” from Gov. Gavin Newsom, Murphy said in the statement.
