Sandcastle BlogThe latest from Pittsburgh's greatest waterpark
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Early this season Sandcastle announced that the Sandbar Pool would become an Over 21 venue on the weekends, i.e., Saturday and Sunday. Due to the short notice of the announcement the decision was made to delay this plan until the 2009 season.
Since that time several states have proposed and/or passed legislation to change the operating rules for wave pools. While Pennsylvania is not requiring a change, Kennywood Entertainment is exploring the idea.
Possible changes include controlling access to the wave pool, requiring guests under 48” to wear a life jacket and be accompanied by an adult or guardian. The adult/guardian must be within arms’ reach of the child at all times while in the pool.
Due to these probable wave pool policy changes, the Sandbar Pool weekend restrictions will not be implemented this year. It is anticipated, however, that the weekend restrictions will take place in 2010.
For those who may be concerned about future restrictions, please be assured that Sandcastle will continue to be a safe and family-friendly park, with season passes helping to provide an economical and fun way to enjoy family and friends all summer.
As the population in Allegheny County continues to decline, the number of potential guests for Sandcastle also declines. We’ve discovered that the season pass now attracts more senior citizen and young adult visitors. The 2010 Sandbar weekend restrictions are projected because in-park research indicates that this number will grow if there is one adults only area in the park.
By entertaining all demographics, Sandcastle will continue to grow and have the funding to add new attractions. We appreciate your support and look forward to another “fun in the sun” season in 2009!
Scott MacKay
General Manager
Since that time several states have proposed and/or passed legislation to change the operating rules for wave pools. While Pennsylvania is not requiring a change, Kennywood Entertainment is exploring the idea.
Possible changes include controlling access to the wave pool, requiring guests under 48” to wear a life jacket and be accompanied by an adult or guardian. The adult/guardian must be within arms’ reach of the child at all times while in the pool.
Due to these probable wave pool policy changes, the Sandbar Pool weekend restrictions will not be implemented this year. It is anticipated, however, that the weekend restrictions will take place in 2010.
For those who may be concerned about future restrictions, please be assured that Sandcastle will continue to be a safe and family-friendly park, with season passes helping to provide an economical and fun way to enjoy family and friends all summer.
As the population in Allegheny County continues to decline, the number of potential guests for Sandcastle also declines. We’ve discovered that the season pass now attracts more senior citizen and young adult visitors. The 2010 Sandbar weekend restrictions are projected because in-park research indicates that this number will grow if there is one adults only area in the park.
By entertaining all demographics, Sandcastle will continue to grow and have the funding to add new attractions. We appreciate your support and look forward to another “fun in the sun” season in 2009!
Scott MacKay
General Manager
2 comments (click to view) | leave a comment
Thursday November 13, 2008 at 10:00 AM EST
That is so not true about more younger and senior citizens... their is a lot of families that enjoy your park on weekends. Sometimes kids don't want to have waves hit them, or just do the slides... they want a pool to swim in... and if you change the sandbar to adults only... well then what can the kids do that are too big for kiddie areas? I can tell you they will go to Wet Willies where smaller children are trying to play. Add another pool or something; you have plenty of room where that race area is. Or add a mini golf. People can play that at any age.
It seems like you only want adults at Sandcastles... why can't you stay kid friendly?
Wednesday September 10, 2008 at 05:57 PM EST
I just wanted to say that I think that there should be life jackets on children under 48" and and adult within arms reach of the child. We NEVER let our child go into the wave pool without the life jacket, and we are ALWAYS with him in the waves. However, I have helped many children, who either don't have a life jacket or have one, but the parent is on the beach, and the child is in 4' water with waves coming over their head. I always wandered what would happen if something happens to the child with the parent not around.
