Parents sue Kennywood, Sandcastle, Idlewild over mask requirements

The parents of four children with medical conditions are suing Kennywood, Sandcastle Waterpark and Idlewild & SoakZone, contending their ownership violated federal law and Pennsylvania Health Department coronavirus orders by requiring all patrons to wear face masks.

The federal lawsuit contends that Palace Entertainment, parent company of the parks, has denied the plaintiffs and their children access to its parks in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Pennsylvania Health Department directives.

The children have medical conditions that prevent them from wearing masks, according to the lawsuit.

It seeks punitive and compensatory damages and an injunction forcing Palace to amend its policy and accommodate people with medical conditions.

Kennywood spokesman Nick Paradise said corporate policy prohibited him from commenting on pending litigation.

Pittsburgh attorney Thomas Anderson, who has filed similar lawsuits against Giant Eagle over mask requirements and represents the four plaintiffs, could not be reached for comment.

He filed the complaint Friday on behalf of Janine Wood of Bolivar, Jackie Webber of Kennedy Township, Ryan Walsh of Verona and Lisa Mazzoni of Irwin.

“Guests who cannot wear masks for medical reasons are denied full and equal access to the parks,” the lawsuit said. “Plaintiffs have each been denied full and equal access to the parks in violation of Title III of the ADA.”

It also contends that the parks are violating Pennsylvania Health Department orders, which provide an exemption to mask requirements for people with medical conditions.

On Tuesday, Wood was denied access to Idlewild when she attempted to enter the park with her daughter, according to the lawsuit.

“Idlewild security guards prevented entry and screamed at the child, causing her to have a mental breakdown and to break out in hives due to anxiety,” the complaint said.

Anderson has filed numerous lawsuits against Giant Eagle on behalf of clients from across the region, alleging its mask policy is discriminatory under the disability act.