Cedar Point delays opening

SANDUSKY — Cedar Point delayed its opening to mid-May in the face of concerns stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. Cedar Fair, Cedar Point's parent company, originally planned on opening its flagship park for its 150th anniversary on May 9, but it announced Friday the opening was pushed back due to COVID-19 — a new strain in the coronavirus family of respiratory illnesses. "We plan to open Cedar Point, all Cedar Point Resorts properties and the Cedar Point Marinas mid-May or as soon thereafter as possible," said Robert Zimmerman, Cedar Point CEO and president, in an official statement. "We believe this decision is in the best interest of our associates, our guests and our communities." Zimmerman said they would work with guests who have existing reservations or prepaid specific day tickets during the park's closure. People can submit requests at cedarpoint.com. For hotel re-bookings, people can contact cpresorts@cedarpoint.com. Cedar Point will add days to the park's operating season to make up for the days it's closed. Season pass holders will also be able to enjoy added-value benefits that will be announced when the park opens, according to Zimmerman. "We appreciate the support and cooperation of our guests and associates during this ever-evolving situation," Zimmerman said. "Your loyalty to Cedar Point is invaluable. We look forward to seeing you soon." Cedar Fair previously decided to temporarily close its Knott's Berry Farm park in California, its Schlitterbahn Waterparks in Texas and the Castaway Bay Resort and Hotel in Sandusky because of the coronavirus.