Latest News
July 10, 2020

Kennywood, Sandcastle to open with restrictions

By Mon Valley Independent

By ERIC SEIVERLING

eseiverling@yourmvi.com

Opening day at Kennywood Park and Sandcastle Waterpark has been delayed twice this summer due to coronavirus restrictions and shutdowns. The third time will be the charm as the parks are slated to open to the general public Monday.

Previous opening dates in early May and July 7 were pushed back by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Kennywood and Sandcastle have implemented numerous measures following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and best practices within the amusement and attractions industries. Elements of the parks’ new safety measures include:

• Limiting capacity.

• Pre-entry temperature checks.

• Face coverings and personal protective equipment.

• Social distancing.

• Adding sanitizing stations.

• Enhancing cleaning measures.

• Educating guests and team members.

• Any person with a temperature of 100.4°F or higher, or displaying other symptoms of COVID-19 will be denied entry.

• Facial coverings are required for all entrants, except children younger than age 3.

Total capacity will be limited in the parks and on each ride, pool, slide, restaurant and building to ensure compliance with recommended social distancing standards. All guests are strongly encouraged to RSVP for the day they wish to visit, in addition to having a pre-purchased ticket or season pass. 

To read the rest of this story, please see a copy of Saturday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at https://e.monvalleyindependent.com.

Pittsburgh scores a touchdown with record-breaking NFL Draft
Latest News, Main
April 27, 2026
Planners reported virtually no crime or traffic problems during the three-day event. By JUSTIN VELLUCCI and JULIA BURDELSKI TribLive Pittsburgh spent years building the foundation to host the 2026 NFL...
Gov. Shapiro tests political muscle in Pa. midterms
Latest News, Main, Politics
April 27, 2026
He’s in a strong position to be reelected, but his influence on other state races could be significant. LOCK HAVEN, Pa. (AP) — Josh Shapiro may be heavily favored to win reelection as Pennsylvania gov...
Opening of Titan Arboretum, T’s Trail celebrated
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
WEST MIFFLIN AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
April 27, 2026
They were developed in partnership with Tree Pittsburgh. For Arbor Day, a living outdoor classroom came to the West Mifflin Area School District. The district celebrated the grand opening of its Titan...
Woman accused of fatally shooting man outside party
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
April 27, 2026
She told police she fired in self-defense, but found afterward that the victim was not armed. By BRIAN C. RITTMEYER TribLive A Clairton woman is accused of fatally shooting a man in Pittsburgh’s Lawre...
Central Elementary encourages student leaders
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
ELIZABETH FORWARD SCHOOL DISTRICT
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
April 27, 2026
Principal Frank Berdar talked to the school board about the fifthgrade brave bunch program, along with other school topics. Teachers and staff at Central Elementary School are coming up with new ideas...
PennWest, Mattress Factory to host regional arts festival
Around The Valley, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
April 27, 2026
It will take place Wednesday on the California campus. PennWest California, in a partnership with Pittsburgh’s Mattress Factory Contemporary Art Museum, will host the Southwestern Pennsylvania Art Bas...