Raging Waves Working To Reopen During Phase 4

YORKVILLE, IL — Nearly one week after the city of Yorkville announced the possibility of Raging Waves Waterpark reopening in Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois plan, the company announced Thursday they are working with the state officials and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to safety reopen the waterpark during Phase 4. In the statement, Raging Waves, the state's largest waterpark, said they would be following all guidelines outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the State of Illinois.

"Raging Waves has always been known as one of the cleanest water parks in the world and it should come as no surprise that we will continue to uphold the same cleanliness standards you've come to expect," the company said.

The state is currently in Phase 3, during which pools are only allowed to reopen for limited capacity lap swimming.

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Raging Waves added that all tickets for the 2020 season can be used on any (one) day during the 2020 or 2021 season. In addition, the company said that Raging Waves Season Passes will be extended and valid for the 2020 and the entire 2021 season at no extra cost or action on your part.

"Thank you all for your patience, we know you’re just as excited as we are to hang out at Raging Waves this summer!" Raging Waves wrote in a June 18 Facebook post. "As soon as learn more from the state, we will let you know a projected opening date."

Read the entire statement via ragingwaves.com/COVID.

Related:

• Raging Waves Waterpark Remains Closed Under State's Restore Plan
• When Can Illinois Enter Phase 4?

Initial procedures Raging Waves said they will continue to develop include:

• "Increase of hand sanitizing stations throughout the park for guests and team members.
• Promoting safe social distancing throughout the park for safety of our guests and team members.
• Pool technicians continue to monitor the water hourly, more than the state requirement of twice per day
• Illinois Department of Public Health inspection and approval of all rides and pools for public use.
• Proper maintenance and disinfection performed around the clock using hospital grade disinfectants.
• Food service areas cleaned and maintained by an increased park services team.
• Locker rooms are constantly cleaned and monitored throughout the day. Each evening the locker rooms are cleaned, pressure washed, and inspected by a third party."

To move from Phase 3 to Phase 4, state officials say there must be a continued decline in the rate of infection in new COVID-19 cases. In addition, testing is widely available and contact tracing is commonplace.

In Phase 4, which is the "revitalization phase," the following changes expected to occur include allowing gatherings or 50 or fewer people, and all employees can return to work with IDPH approved safety guidance but employers are encouraged to provide accommodations for COVID-19-vulnerable employees.

Patch will continue updating this news as information becomes available.