AUSTELL, Ga. — Starting this Friday, Six Flags Over Georgia will implement a chaperone policy for those 15 and under, the amusement park announced Monday.
The new policy states that under-aged guests must be accompanied by a chaperone who is 21 or older to enter or stay in the park after 4 p.m. The chaperone must be able to present a valid government-issued photo ID, remain in the park, and be available by phone while visiting. One chaperone may accompany up to 10 guests.
According to the policy, children 15 or younger who do not have a chaperone will be asked to leave the park. Those 16 and older may also be asked to show ID.
The chaperone policy applies to both ticket and season pass holders.
"This policy is being put in place to help ensure that all guests have a fun and enjoyable experience, and that they leave happy and eager to visit again. We are always evaluating our safety policies and will continue to make modifications based on the needs and behaviors we are seeing in the park," Six Flags Over Georgia said in a statement.
Mableton Mayor Michael Owens released the following statement about the policy change Monday afternoon: "As the Mayor of Mableton, I am pleased to see Six Flags taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens and visitors. The merger with Cedar Fair has brought about a positive change, adopting a standard policy across all parks that will help ensure the park remains a fun and safe environment for all attendees.
I wholeheartedly agree with Six Flags that safety should always be our top priority. I applaud them for taking this step. It's a proactive measure that underscores their commitment to creating a safe environment for everyone. I have been an advocate for such changes as I have engaged with residents living in and around the Six Flags area who expressed concerns about unaccompanied minors at the park.
Additionally, Six Flags has already made notable improvements to ensure a better experience, such as better lighting, improved traffic flow for pickup and drop-off areas, and an enhanced security presence. These enhancements, along with the new chaperone policy, are particularly timely as we approach the busy Fright Fest season.
I am thankful for the strong partnership between Six Flags and the City of Mableton. Their commitment to safety and community well-being is commendable, and I am optimistic about the positive impact these measures will have on our community."
Although there have been previous incidents of violence in and around the park, the amusement park made no mention of whether the move was in response to any specific incident. Cobb County leaders previously said they were working with Six Flags Over Georgia to make the amusement park and surrounding area safer by increasing the police presence and installing more lighting in an effort to deter crime.