Citing public health and safety concerns, Commissioner Mike Gamache recommended the popular attraction be closed for the summer. He says it’s likely there will be restrictions from the state on large groups of people well into the summer. Gamache said large crowds of people are needed to make Bunker Beach successful financially. But that’s what health experts are urging against. Gamache says while chlorinated water may kill the virus, there is still the concession stand and restrooms where people gather.
Commission Chair Scott Schulte also questioned whether enough people would feel safe enough to come if the attraction was open.
“Could we get enough people there knowing what’s just happened, will they come?” Schulte asked. “And if they don’t we’ll have a huge red mark on the ledger.”
Commissioner Robyn West was opposed to closing Bunker Beach for the 2020 season. She says the virus is slowing down, and a treated swimming pool is a constant cleansing situation.
“I think this is a low risk situation,” West said. “There’s so much shutdown of everything for such a long period of time this would be an opportunity for people to make a choice in their own life if they would want to participate.”
“I just think it’s going to be way different in two months and I think it’s a safe risk,” she said.
There was consideration given to opening part way through the season. Chair Schulte says that’s a sure path to failure because it would be difficult to hire the seasonal help needed that late in the summer.
Bunker Beach was due to open the first week of June and stay open through the first week of September. As many as 118,000 visitors per year visit the water park, and it is the biggest outdoor water park in Minnesota.
