Gov. Ralph Northam closed the door Thursday on the possibility of a waiver for theme parks in Phase 3 of reopening, making it more likely that Busch Gardens and Water Country will not open for the height of the summer tourism season.
Northam’s comments at his coronavirus briefing come after Busch Gardens and Kings Dominion announced earlier this week they would not be able to reopen under those restrictions.
Northam’s plan says that entertainment venues, including amusement parks, can open at 50% capacity, or a maximum of 1,000 people. Busch Gardens’ capacity is 24,000.
“We’ve had a lot of discussions with the amusement parks. I would just say that I want them to open up as soon as they can, and do it safely and responsively — a lot of the tourism industry depends on them,” Northam said Thursday.
Kevin Lembke, President of Busch Gardens and Water County USA, said both parks will remain closed because the 1,000-person limit is not an “economically sustainable model.”
Lembke criticized Northam’s guidelines Tuesday night at the James City County’s Board of Supervisors meeting, saying Busch Gardens may not be able to open until later in July, while Water County USA may not open at all this year.
“Our parks are largely outdoor facilities spread across hundreds of acres but we continue to be lumped in with unrelated models like bowling alleys and skating rinks,” Lembke said.
Northam said it was important to be cognizant of all of the things people touch at amusement parks. He said the guidelines were made after discussions with the health department and epidemiologists.
“Obviously we are going to continue following the numbers. These decisions are tough. I think if we look at the reality of what’s going on, especially in the other states around us, we’re seeing surges in numbers. Those individuals are the same folks that come and enjoy our amusement parks,” Northam said
After Northam first released the Phase 3 capacity guidelines for entertainment venues, Kings Dominion also said it would not be able to reopen unless the capacity restrictions were lifted or altered.
The James City Board of Supervisors and lawmakers of both parties have called for more permissive rules for theme parks. State Sen. Thomas K. Norment Jr., a Republican, and Del. Mike Mullin, a Democrat, told the James City board they support efforts to find a compromise. Lembke said his company’s plan called for 5,000-7,000 attendees at Busch Gardens.
“It is absolutely imperative for the Historic Triangle economy that we get Busch Gardens open and we get it open with substantial attendance,” said Norment.
After the governor’s announcement, several James City officials urged him to reconsider.
“I still don’t understand why Virginia Beach has been granted permission to open, with no restrictions and Busch Gardens cannot open up to any more than 1000 people,” said Board of Supervisors member Michael Hipple. “If the rules were the same for all, it would be a lot easier for me to understand.”
“I felt they (Busch Gardens) had a pretty reasonable way of determining what would meet the requirements of the Governor with the one exception of 1,000 people,” said board Chairman Jim Icenhour. “I’m concerned right now we will get into July in two or three weeks and when he says you can open it may be too late. It may be an exercise in futility.”
Staff writer Marie Albiges contributed to this report.
Jessica Nolte, 757-247-4513, jnolte@dailypress.com