The fun is back at Southport Pleasureland reopens its doors this Saturday (July 11).
The park has been closed for the past nine months, after the coronavirus pandemic halted the 2020 season opening in March.
Sunny weather is forecast for this Saturday, and owner Norman Wallis said: “Pleasureland is getting ready to open tomorrow, and all is coming back to life beautifully.
“Let’s hope the sun shines and people are kind!”
Mr Wallis sent these pictures to Stand Up For Southport to show the huge amount of work that has been going on behind the scenes to get everything ready for the grand relaunch.
Thousands of flowers have been planted, turf has been laid, new rides and attractions have been installed and popular favourites have been maintained and tested.
They have also spent the past few weeks identifying best practice, training staff and implementing new and stringent hygiene measures to ensure the safety of customers and staff.
Delivering fun for families as lockdown easing measures are introduced will include Southport Pleasureland sticking to 2 metres social distancing when it opens its doors.
The park, which hasn’t traded since it finished the 2019 season in October,
Pleasureland’s owner says that while the Government’s health experts are advising that a drop to 1 metre between people of different households is too early the park will follow the science rather than Boris Johnson’s new guidelines.
Norman Wallis said: “While I fully appreciate the Government’s keenness to help economic recovery – and my business hasn’t traded for more than seven months now – I believe that families are going to want to enjoy a day out without worry.
Read More: 7 ways Southport Pleasureland is preparing to reopen safely after Covid-19 lockdown
“So that’s what we’re offering. We will reopen from Saturday 11th July and we will cap numbers to maintain 2 metres distance. We’re going cashless too for extra safety so now customers will have to book online in advance for the day.
“To facilitate these changes riders’ day tickets will allow unlimited rides while non-riders pay just £5 for the day. Visitors with ‘ride’ tickets will wear wristbands. Rides will be sanitised after each run and spacing managed with the inclusion of empty seats between individual groups and the next customers. Communal areas will be sanitised regularly, and we have brought in sanitising gel dispensers, handwash bowsers and hand-held disinfecting ‘fogging’ machines which serve to kill bacteria and viruses, including Covid.
“The pre-booking allows us to control numbers, which in turn ensures easier social distancing, and that will be clearly marked. It will also make for a safer environment in the car park.
“This is about ensuring a safe, happy and fun day out that’s free from worry.
“Visitors will enjoy unlimited rides all day, so the experience will live up to expectation in terms of comfort and experience. Because there will be fewer people in the park the ticket represents incredible value – people will be able to try all of the rides faster and with very few queues.”
Pricing at Southport Pleasureland has been set at £19.50pp, 11am to 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holiday Monday, August 31) and £24.50pp 11am to 6pm (including Bank Holiday Monday August 31) on weekends with children under 90cm (when wearing shoes) able to ride free of charge. *Minimum of one full fee-paying ride guest per booking.
The changes have required huge investment at a time when the business has been unable to trade and, parks like Southport’s, don’t qualify for most of the Government’s help packages.
Mr Wallis said: “We want to continue to provide a quality day out and we are dedicated to ensuring people stay safe while they enjoy it.”
For more details visit: www.southportpleasureland.com
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