Gulf Islands Waterpark is closing the 2020 summer season early thanks to COVID-19
Gulf Islands Waterpark is usually open through a busy Labor Day weekend, but a staff shortage due to COVID-19 has forced the park to close early for the summer.
The Gulfport water park posted Monday on Facebook that Sunday was the last day of business for the facility this year, saying “Our highest priority has always been the health and safety of our guests and team members.”
The post drew criticism on social media from people who claim to be season ticket holders, requesting partial refunds.
The park’s website says that all season pass holders will receive a special offer to purchase a discounted 2021 season pass before the park reopens in the spring. The park typically opens in May, but had to delay its reopening until June 1 under new social distancing guidelines.
General Manager Mark Moore says he couldn’t keep enough staff on hand to keep the park running.
“We got in a position where due to COVID-19 and the number of our people who had to be quarantined, we ran out of staff,” Moore said. “To our knowledge we didn’t have any active cases, but the school system has been quarantining so many teens. Families are testing and quarantining. At some point, you run out of people.”
Moore said the main issue was the lack of available of lifeguards.
“It’s not like they have a cold and can be back in three days,” Moore said.
