Theme park brawls? Chaperones? “KNOTT” fun for employees, parents, or children. On July 16, a fight amongst teenagers broke out at Knotts Berry Farm. The fight caused park guests to panic, forcing two people to the hospital with one denied treatment. This intense fighting resulted in new restrictions being implemented in the park.
As of July 16, according to the Los Angeles Times, two new policies have been implemented. First, children 17 and under must enter the park with a chaperone 21 years or older. Second, the park closes three hours early. As of July 17, the policy is only in effect from Friday to Saturday. However, according to the Knott’s Berry Farm Code of Conduct, the Chaperone policy is subject to change. This not only applies to Knott’s Berry Farm, it also applies to Knott’s Soak City, affecting a much wider range of people. And it applies to holidays and events like Knott’s Scary Farm.
Not all amusement parks enforce a policy as restrictive as Knott’s, though. Six Flags Mountain Magic and Disneyland require children only 14 years or younger to be accompanied by a parent. Universal Studios, on the other hand, has no age requirement whatsoever.
When the fighting occurred, there was absolute chaos and confusion. People at first thought it was a shooting, but the Buena Park Police investigated the numerous 911 calls made within the park and found no gunfire took place. It turns out that it was “unruly behavior and altercations between teenagers,” according to the Sacramento Bee. To ensure all guests were safe, officials decided to shut down the park 3 hours early for their own safety, according to Deseret News.
Some have expressed how this policy is incredibly hard for single parents with multiple children, as they have to find another adult to chaperone four or more children. It is very difficult to find another adult as they are busy with their job and their own family. Many others really want this policy to drop and perhaps, next summer, it will. So, whenever teens go in a park, they better “KNOTT” start fights and get into trouble.