Woman creates petition against Kings Island mask requirement; over 9,819 signatures

MASON — A woman has received thousands of signatures on a petition she created after receiving word that King’s Island will be requiring masks when they open in July.

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“If they don’t want to change policies, that is their own agenda,” Stevi Kurz said in a Facebook post.

“But give people their money back. Don’t give me the ‘next season’ crap. If I wanted a 2021 pass, I’d have bought them then. People have no idea how their lives will look in 2021. We bought 2020 season passes and this is not the terms we agreed to. Refunds or make the masks voluntary,” she said.

Kings Island officials say the passes are good for the 2021 season, but no refunds are being given for the current season, according to the Journal-News.

The park will reopen for season pass holders July 2 and daily ticket holders July 12.

Kurz’ petition has received 9,819 signatures as of Wednesday evening. She started the petition a week ago.

Although nearly 10,000 people have signed the petition, Kings Island gave 25 million rides in 2017 according to their website.

Kings Island announced its reopening and the requirement of masks June 9 after Gov. DeWine stated that amusement parks were among the industries allowed to reopen June 19.

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“There have been numerous studies showing the ineffectiveness of masks on healthy people,” Kurz said on the petition’s website.

“If we aren’t required to wear a mask while grocery shopping in Ohio, we shouldn’t be required to wear one while outside. If you choose to wear a mask, great. But don’t force healthy individuals to do so.”

Many petitioners have commented on why they felt compelled to participate and sign the document. A common theme among supporters appears to be the uneasiness of wearing a mask in the heat for long periods of time as well as difficulties getting their children to wear one.

“My 3 and 6 year olds will not wear a mask. Effectively canceling our annual vacation this year because we simply will not be able to comply. I refuse to physically invade my child’s space, causing arguments, stress, shame, embarrassment towards my children because of this nonsense,” stated one petition signer.

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Another supporter expressed that she has personally experienced the uncomfortableness of wearing a mask for a long period of time, “As a nurse, it is beyond difficult to wear a mask for an extended period of time even in an optimal environment. It would be near impossible for anyone to wear one for an extended time in the heat and humidity of Ohio in summer; let alone while at an amusement park.”

When the park reopens, they will be implementing the following protocols:

• A new online reservation system; each guest is required to have a reservation prior to their visit to enable capacity management;
• A requirement to complete a pre-visit health screening declaration 24 hours prior to admission; 
• A touchless temperature screening prior to entering the facility for both guests and associates;
• Requirements for all guests, associates and vendors to wear masks as directed by the protocols
• Social distancing markers throughout the park, including ride queue lines; 
• Limited guest/associate contact;
• Enhanced cleaning procedures, including additional deep cleaning and sanitization of restrooms, dining facilities and other busy areas; 
• Additional hand sanitization stations; and
• Capacity management throughout the park. 

“The safety of our guests and associates has always been and will always be our top priority. The park’s new health and safety protocols align with CDC recommendations, and have been shaped by information from company and industry health and safety experts, along with our state and local government officials,” the park stated in a media release.

So far it does not appear that Kings Island has made any statements in regard to the petition or is aware of its’ circulation.

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