This Whatcom County summer water park cannot open due to COVID-19
Birch Bay Waterslides will not open this year due to the COVID-19 crisis, according to an open letter on its website.
As a popular summer destination, the park will be significantly impacted by the closure. However, current conditions have made reopening unsafe, impractical and infeasible, the letter read.
“We understand our closure may cause inconvenience and disappointment to many,” said the letter. “This is certainly the worst-case scenario for the Birch Bay Waterslides, but one that is absolutely necessary.”
The water park cited the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention health guidelines, the state stay-at-home order and Whatcom County’s phased reopening as reasons for closing the park in the letter. Given the waterpark’s unique business, it is also unclear where they fit in the phased-reopening plan.
The county is currently in Phase 2 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s reopening plan meaning non-essential travel is limited and gatherings cannot exceed 5 people outside a single household.
The water park hopes to reopen in summer 2021. Rather than issue refunds, the park is making all tickets valid through the 2021 season. Additionally, season pass holders will receive a virtual coupon book on their online account.
This story was originally published July 4, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
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