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Kennywood, a nearly 130-year-old amusement park outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is tightening its summer management policy as parks across the country grapple with violent conflicts and unruly crowds of teenagers heading into the heart of the season.
The popular Pennsylvania amusement park said guests 15 and under must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or other supervising adult during all operating hours, starting June 12. The revised policy will be in effect until Sept. 7, according to a company statement.
The move follows several high-profile incidents at amusement parks in recent weeks, including Six Flags St. Louis on opening day, when several altercations involving about 100 people prompted police to respond and forced the park to close early.
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Kennywood's news follows an opening-day brawl at Hersheypark in Pennsylvania, where 55 people — including 52 children and three young adults between the ages of 12 and 19 — were charged after a large fight broke out on April 3, according to police.
“This was a proactive move and is part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining the welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere that has defined Kennywood for nearly 130 years,” a company spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
Historic Kennywood amusement park in Pennsylvania is strengthening its crowd control policy as parks across the country grapple with violent incidents. (Stock)
In a recent Facebook post, Kennywood wrote, “We are aware of social media posts about possible unauthorized gatherings at the park. We have zero tolerance for disruptive behavior.”
Kennywood said its revised policy is intended to “enlist the cooperation of parents and other adults who care for children” and help the park provide a safe and enjoyable experience for guests.
Guests who cannot show proof that they are at least 16 years of age will not be allowed entry without a qualified escort.
The park also noted that responsibility for children attending Kennywood rests with parents, guardians or assigned guardians – not park staff.
Under the new rules, guests who cannot show proof that they are at least 16 years old will not be allowed to enter without a qualified escort. Patrons must be at least 21 years of age and present a valid government-issued photo ID.
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Each chaperone may accompany up to six guests age 15 and under.
When the group enters the park, a chaperone must be present – and the chaperone must remain inside the park for the duration of the visit, although Kennywood says an adult does not need to stay with the children at all times.
Under the new policy, chaperones must be at least 21 years old. They must be able to show a valid government-issued photo ID. (Stock)
Visitors aged 15 and under must be able to communicate with their local escort during the tour.
The park said the new policy extends its previous summer guide rules from 4 p.m. to daily use, while lowering the age requirement for visitors 17 and under to 15 and under.
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Recently, the so-called “teen takeover” has disrupted parks, beaches, malls and other public spaces in several cities. Authorities said some rallies, often organized or spurred by social media posts, have escalated into fights, arrests and emergency crowd control responses, as Fox News Digital previously reported.
Hersheypark later resorted to restocking the footage after a fight between teenagers disrupted its opening weekend, according to Fox 43.
The revised policy comes amid growing concerns across the country about so-called “youth takeovers.” Kennywood said it is taking drastic measures. (Stock)
The park said at the time that safety was its top priority and guests who violated its policies would no longer be welcome.
Kennywood said his revised chaperone policy will be implemented at the entrance and throughout the park by management and security. Any visitor 15 years of age or younger found within the park without a suitable escort may be subject to removal.
Organized and ticketed group events — including school, church, corporate, summer camp and sports team outings — are exempt because they already have policies and procedures in place to guide people, according to the park.
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On the Internet, many people praised the owners for taking such a decisive step.
“Good on them for getting ahead of any potential issues,” one Reddit user wrote.
“This is no longer the normal behavior of children who have been cut down,” said another person. “These things are becoming more common.”
“Love this idea,” said a third person. “I just wish they would bring back the non-passenger entry fee or another discounted pass for drivers who don't plan to ride.”
Located in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, Kennywood is one of only two amusement parks in the United States designated as a National Historic Landmark. (Stock)
Kennywood is located in West Mifflin, about 10 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.
Opened in 1898, it is one of only two amusement parks in the US to be designated a National Historic Landmark. (The other is Rye Playland in Rye, New York.)
The park said all guests must go through a weapons screening process at the front gate during the summer, and only 15-inch by 15-inch by 15-inch bags are allowed — except for medical bags and diapers.
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The western Pennsylvania mainstay is known for generations for its classic rides, including the Jack Rabbit roller coaster, and its famous Potato Patch fries.
Sean Joseph and Stepheny Price, both of Fox News Digital, contributed reporting.
