Hamilton waterpark Wild Waterworks will stay closed for the remainder of 2020 after the city council voted unanimously that it would be too challenging for the park to open amid the coronavirus pandemic.
A proposal was put before council by the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA), which operates the park in a management agreement with the city, on Wednesday with councillors stating it would be too difficult to socially distance at a water park.
A safe environment for visitors and community is a top priority for @Hamilton_CA who operates the facility and the City of Hamilton, who owns Wild Waterworks. Physical distancing would not be possible for swimmers in a wave pool or other water attractions.
— City of Hamilton (@cityofhamilton) May 14, 2020
Wild Waterworks remaining closed for the 2020 operating season could result in an estimated loss of $425,000 for the city, says a staff report.
Alternatively, it could cost an estimated $2.63 million to ensure the park was properly prepared and staffed in order to operate during risks associated with COVID-19.
The risks would include low attendance, mandated limits to crowd sizes, physical distancing requirements, and costs related to barriers for staff and personal protective equipment.
Councillors stated that there wouldn’t be enough time to put in all safety measures in time for the park to open any time soon regardless of their decision to keep it closed, and that they could cover the possible $450,000 loss with the tax stabilization reserve.
The closure would also give the city and HCA time to make some much needed maintenance to the site while it remains closed for a year.
Lead photo courtesy of @wild_waterworks
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