Kennywood launching stricter chaperone policy for kids 15 and under

Kennywood has announced a change to its chaperone policy that, starting Friday, requires a parent, guardian or responsible adult age 21 or older to enter with and remain responsible for children ages 15 and under during their entire visit.

While the policy statement did not explicitly state the shift was in response to any one event, Kennywood has been the subject of social media rumors of planned fights and rowdy behavior by teens in recent weeks.

The change also explicitly spells out that the adults will be held to account for the behavior of their young charges.

Responsibility for children attending the park rests with the parent/guardian/assigned chaperone, not with Kennywood personnel," the new policy states.

Among the new rules is that guests under 15 must enter the park with the chaperone. Young guests without a chaperone will be asked to provide identification proving they are at least 16 years old to enter.

Chaperones must be at least 21 and have a valid government-issued identification that shows their birthdate. Chaperones may supervise up to six children and must complete a chaperone registration form upon entry to the park.

Chaperones do not have to stay with the group at all times, but they must remain in the park during the group's entire visit. Additionally, they must remain reachable to members of their group at all times.

Organized and ticketed group events, such as school, church, corporate, summer camp, sports and other pre-scheduled group visits, are exempt from the chaperone rule "as these groups have established chaperone policies and practices already in place, the website states.

The new policy is a shift from a previous one, which required a chaperone only after 4 p.m. for those 17 and under during summer operating hours.

It was unclear whether season passes would be refunded for parents who had purchased them for children ages 15 and under with the assumption that a chaperone would not be required.

The website suggests contacting Kennywood directly to inquire.

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