Worlds of Fun announces chaperone  policy after opening weekend brawl

Worlds of Fun has implemented a chaperone policy after a fight broke out among more than 100 teens on opening weekend.

A Clay County deputy was punched in the face by a teenage girl who refused to leave, authorities said. She was arrested and turned over to her parents, and the deputy had superficial injuries. After the crowd got pushed out of the park, fights continued in the parking lot, which authorities later cleared by around 8:30 p.m.

“For decades, Worlds of Fun has been a place where families and friends come together to enjoy our one-of-a-kind park,” the theme park said in a statement. “Millions of guests have counted on us for their daily dose of wholesome family fun, and we’re committed to keeping that promise going forward.”

Across the country, teens involve similar incidents are causing problems in public spaces. It’s causing hundreds of public entertainment venues to change their policies to ensure the safety of all patrons.

The new policy will go into effect this Saturday:

• Guests 15 or younger must be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old to be admitted to or stay in the park after 4 p.m.
• The chaperone must present a valid government-issued ID with date of birth at ticket entry.
• Chaperones must stay with their party during entry, stay inside the park and be available by phone throughout the visit.

The theme park added that “fighting or physical aggression of any kind, including verbal and physical assaults,” is prohibited.

“Parents or guardians are responsible for the behavior of their minor children,” the statement said. “Appropriate behavior and supervision are the responsibility of the parent/guardian and is always expected. The park does not assume any responsibility or liability for unattended minors. Parents/guardians may be held legally liable for all acts of the children under their care.”

Worlds of Fun isn’t the first amusement park to implement a chaperone policy. Last July, Knott’s Berry Farm in Southern California required guests who are 17 years old or younger to be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old after a series of fights involving teens occurred. The policy was in effect from Fridays to Sundays before the park dropped the requirement for Saturdays in February.

–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice