Moving forward, young teens and children who take a trip to California’s Great America will need to do so with a chaperone.
Great America launched its chaperone policy over the weekend on April 22. Now, any guests 15 years old or younger must have a chaperone who is at least 21 years old in order to get into the park or stay there after 4 p.m.
The chaperone must show a government issued photo ID at entry to the park. The chaperone is limited to 10 guests ages 15 years or younger per day. All chaperones must accompany their charges into the park and remain inside while the kids are there. They must also be available by phone until the group leaves the park.
“The safety of our guests and associates has always been our top priority at California’s Great America,” reads the amusement park’s chaperone policy. “Over the past two years, there have been increasing incidents of unruly and inappropriate behavior across our industry and at other major entertainment venues. We are committed to keeping California’s Great America a place where families and friends come together to enjoy a one-of-a-kind park full of fun experiences and immersive entertainment.”
If someone under the age of 15 is found without a chaperone inside the park, they will be ejected. Great America says parents and guardians can be held legally liable for what children do under their care.
The policy also applies to season pass holders, prescheduled company events and school groups.
The company’s Facebook page says the changes will continue to make the park fun for everyone.
“We believe these changes will help ensure that California’s Great America continues to have a positive atmosphere where generations of families and friends can gather for a day of safe fun and good food. Millions of guests have counted on us for exactly that and we will continue to deliver on that promise for generations to come,” read the Facebook post.
Some parents responded to the Facebook post and applauded the decision, saying that it would make the park safer for their kids.
Others criticized Great America for implementing the policy after they had already purchased this year’s season passes for their teens.