Petition seeks to prevent Kings Island from requiring masks when it reopens next month

An online petition trying to prevent Kings Island from requiring everyone to wear protective masks when it reopens next month now has more than 7,000 supporters.

The Warren County entertainment park - one the largest in Ohio - has been unable to open due to state orders prompted by the coronavirus but now is scheduled to receive the public on July 2 - 11 when season pass holders will be welcomed back.

The general public can have access beginning July 12.

But no one is getting inside Kings Island’s gates unless they’re wearing masks, park officials have said, citing federal guidelines for minimizing the possibility of public spread of the coronavirus.

That didn’t sit well with Stevi Kurz of northern Hamilton County whose family spends more than $800 each summer on season and food passes at the park.

So Kurz started an online petition at change.org calling for Kings Island to change its policy, which requires all visitors to wear masks even in the outdoor areas of the park.

“I’m trying to get Kings Island to understand a lot of people are opposing their decision on the masks,” said Kurz.

She said Kings Island should also be offering refunds to those who purchased season passes for this summer.

Park officials are instead saying the passes are good for the 2021 season.

The online petition signers rising total surprised Kurz, who contends the masks - especially for children - would be uncomfortable in the typical heat and humidity of southwest Ohio’s summertime weather.

“I honestly didn’t know what to expect,” she said.

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