Amusement park attendance is expected to bounce back this summer.
Kennywood, Sandcastle and Idlewild will all have expanded seasons this year in anticipation of increased demand as some head back to the parks for the first time in two years.
Kennywood in particular will offer new events and renovated features.
Spokesperson Nick Paradise says the pandemic made park managers look closely at the future.
“Making sure the parks remain competitive and don’t just rest on their laurels of what they’ve always offered, but are offering more ways to have fun, more entertainment and special events, so that there’s a reason to visit beyond just the traditional school picnic.”
They're hiring 2,000 seasonal employees with many positions at an increased rate.
Food and beverage cooks, ride operators and admissions staff that are 16 years and older will increase to $15 an hour.
Aquatics attendants will not make $12 an hour, and life guards will be at $15 an hour. All team members 14-years-old and 15-years-old will start at $10 an hour.
The increase will benefit between 550 and 700 seasonal employees. A job fair is being hosted at Idlewild and Soakzone on March 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., as the parks prepare for its longest season in the park’s 145-year history.
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