TEXAS (1080 KRLD)- Hawaiian Falls water parks opened three of their five locations Friday and made donations to several hospitals in North and Central Texas. Hawaiian Falls locations opened in Mansfield, Roanoke and Waco.
"Having worked here just over nine years, I have never not worked Memorial Day Weekend," says Hawaiian Falls' Ryan Forson. "It was a shock for us, but we are so thrilled to be able to open this weekend."
The group of water parks is urging visitors to buy tickets online to avoid crowding in lines when they arrive. Occupancy is limited to 25 percent, and operators say they have removed tables and chairs to ensure six foot distancing.
Forson says employees will continually disinfect surfaces, but water slides and other attractions will stay safe.
"Most of the surfaces on our water slides and in our pools already come in contact with chlorinated water," he says.
Hawaiian Falls is also donating 4,000 season passes to three hospitals: Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Alliance, Methodist Mansfield Medical Center and Baylor Scott & White Medical Center--Hillcrest.
"My first reaction was, 'What? You're doing what for us?!'" Texas Health's Jennifer Fox said, laughing. "I think, in general, healthcare workers, front line workers are humbled. They are overwhelmed with support."
Fox says those healthcare workers are glad for an escape.
"It's a gift. It's a gift, and it allows them to take a breath," she says. "It's a little calmer now as we've walked through these waters. However, it was very taxing, not just for the doctors, nurses and technicians, but for everyone involved. It might be someone cleaning the floors or delivering food. It was nerve-wracking."
Hawaiian Falls will open its park in The Colony next Thursday and Garland next Friday.