West Mifflin officials support new Kennywood policy

Stricter chaperone rules are being adopted after plans for unauthorized gatherings were posted on social media.

Kennywood Park’s summer chaperone policy will look a little different starting Friday.

The policy will be in effect during all operating hours following two consecutive Saturdays that featured social media chatter about unauthorized gatherings.

General manager Richard Spicuzza issued a statement saying the commitment to allow families a safe, comfortable and welcoming visit to the park is what guided the decision to update the policy.

“Like most of you, I grew up with memories made right here at the park, and I want today’s families to create those same memories for years to come,” Spicuzza said. “This policy is part of our ongoing commitment to preserving the welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere that has defined Kennywood for nearly 130 years.”

West Mifflin Mayor Christopher Kelly told The Mon Valley Independent Tuesday that the incidents were similar to the ones at Market Square in Pittsburgh over the past few months that saw flash crowd disturbances and led to violence and property damage in the city. However, nothing came of them at the park.

“I fully endorse (the policy),” Kelly said. “I think it’s going to help increase the business. There were social media threats that people were going to take over Kennywood Park, and people had concerns.”

Borough Solicitor Phil DiLucente said Kennywood is implementing policies similar to those in Market Square.

“Any time there are steps taken, entities inside the borough as well as outside the park, we want to be proactive and helpful so people can go and enjoy themselves,” DiLucente said. “The park, council and the mayor are making an effort to make sure that citizens are safe.”

Under the updated policy, guests ages 15 and under must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or other supervising adult age 21 or older when visiting the park until Sept. 7. Each chaperone can accompany up to six guests.

The chaperone must be present at the time of entry and remain in the park for the duration of the party’s visit, but the chaperone does not need to accompany the entire party for the whole visit. Guests ages 15 and younger must have the ability to contact their on-site chaperone at all times, and the chaperone must remain available the entire visit.

Those without a chaperone who cannot provide identification proving they are at least 16 years of age will not be permitted entry, and those in the park without a chaperone will be subject to removal.

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00088373 Both the visitor and the chaperone need a valid type of identification, including a driver’s license, non-driver ID card, passport, visa or military ID.

“Throughout the history of our county, not only in Allegheny County but in other counties throughout the country, there has been policies that young men and women should be accompanied by a chaperone,” DiLucente added. “So we think this is positive and proactive.”

Borough Manager Brian Kamauf said similar incidents have been happening all over the country, including at Hersheypark, where dozens of young adults between the ages of 12 and 19 were charged in connection with a brawl on opening day.

“We want everyone to have a fun, safe experience, and if Kennywood thinks that’s the best policy to help them do that, I support it for the borough,” Kamauf said. “It’s not our place to tell businesses how to run, and obviously, we want everyone to have the best experience. If they think that’s the best thing for its patrons, and the community, then we support their decision.”

The updated policy also does not apply to groups booked for school picnic or district days as these groups have established chaperone policies and practices already in place.

Organized and ticketed group events, such as school, church, corporate, summer camp, sports and other pre-scheduled group visits are also exempt.

Responsibility for children attending the park rests with the parent/guardian/assigned chaperone, not with Kennywood personnel.

The policy will remain the same during events following the summer season, including Phantom Fall Fest and Holiday Lights.

West Mifflin Councilman Dan Davis also expressed his support for Kennywood’s decision to update its policy.

Davis noted that Kennywood has experienced gun incidents, including one in 2022. However, the new company that has taken over, Herschend Family Entertainment, is trying to make things better.

Davis said they are trying to take every precaution.

“I’m glad they’re addressing these issues because we’ve seen them in other areas where they’ve had these unruly situations, and they don’t want that,” Davis said. “If you have to do it, you gotta do it. I think it’s a good policy. We want to make sure it’s a safe park so it’s a valuable resource in West Mifflin.”