In a statement shared with PEOPLE, a Hersheypark spokesperson said the now-paused policy was intended to “enhance park security”
Credit: Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- Hersheypark suspended a new mask policy after it received backlash over signage targeting guests under 21
- One park guest took to social media to call out the mask policy and highlight individuals who wear face coverings for health-related reasons
- The park acknowledged that the policy caused some “confusion” and it suspended it “shortly after implementation pending further review”
Hersheypark is backing down on its recent mask policy after it created “confusion” and sparked backlash online.
On Saturday, April 18, a guest visiting the chocolate-themed amusement park in Hershey, Penn., took to X to share a sign they noticed at the park, which read: “Guests under the age of 21 may not wear masks or face coverings.”
In response to the user questioning the policy — especially for those who might be immunocompromised and wear masks to protect themselves from viruses— the park's official X account acknowledged the sign's “confusing” language and confirmed they were suspending the policy.
Credit: Getty
“We appreciate your feedback,” the park's response began. “Our intent is to maintain a safe environment for all guests, not to limit those who wear face coverings for health-related reasons. We recognize our initial signage created confusion and paused this change while we review and refine our approach.”
The park added that any guests who wear masks for health concerns “have been and will continue to be welcome at Hersheypark.”
In a statement shared with PEOPLE, a Hersheypark spokesperson said there was never a “ban” on masks and that there is no policy currently in place that prohibits guests' ability to wear face coverings at the park.
“A recent operational update intended to enhance park security led to some confusion, and we made the decision to suspend that update shortly after implementation pending further review,” the statement added. “Guests may continue to choose to wear a face covering during their visit.”
Credit: Getty
Hersheypark's mask policy update came after a number of altercations reportedly broke out on April 3 when the park reopened for its 120th year.
Several fights between a group of teenagers led to the arrests of three individuals and the removal of multiple park guests on the night of the park's reopening, local news outlet WGAL8 reported, citing police.
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"Two juveniles and one adult were arrested during the initial investigation, and others were ejected from the park," police told the outlet.
Hersheypark confirmed the April 3 incident while telling the outlet that it has a “zero-tolerance policy for behavior of this type.”
The park did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment about the altercation.
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