Calaway Park emerges from pandemic closure

Calaway Park is reopening this weekend after staying shut so far this season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The amusement park on Calgary's western outskirts opened to season pass holders Friday and will start welcoming the general public on Saturday.

"We have actively worked with Alberta Health and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions to ensure that our park experience is the safest possible," Calaway Park said in a release.

Visitors will need to book their admission online and choose a specific entry time slot.

"It spreads people out so there's no congestion in the admissions area, and then when they come into the park, there's physical distancing throughout the park," said General manager Bob Williams.

He says the park will be restricted to about one third capacity.

Visitors will be required to wear face masks while queuing for ridesand while on some of the rides, including Dodgem, Storm, Air Gliders, Bumble Blast, Sky Wynder and Dream Machine.

"We strongly recommend wearing a face mask during your overall visit to the park yet they are not required," the park said.

All rides will be operating except for Vortex, Chaos, Ocean Motion, Adrenaline Test Zone, Wave Riderand Free Fallin' "due to the high velocity nature of these rides."

It's expected those rides will open once Alberta enters Phase 3 of the relaunch.

The Haunted Hotel, Cinemagic 3D and the live stage shows will not be operating.

All food locations will be open except Calaway Caf, BBQ Choo Choo and Java Splash.

Calaway will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Aug. 31.

Fall hours of operation haven't been set yet.

• WATCH | A throwback to another Calaway Park opening when there was nopandemic

CBC ARCHIVES | Take a look back to one of the first years that Calaway Park opened

4 years ago

Duration 1:12

The amusement park just west of Calgary is opening its doors after COVID-19 stalled its 2020 season. Take a look back at a simpler time from almost four decades ago.