Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Closes Rides As COVID-19 Cases Climb

SANTA CRUZ, CA — The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has closed rides and mini-golf after the county moved Tuesday into the red tier, which indicates substantial COVID-19 risk in the community.

Bowling on the boardwalk will also close after 11 p.m. Friday, while other outdoor eateries, games and attractions will remain open.

When Santa Cruz County moved into the orange tier about two weeks ago, the boardwalk was the first California amusement park to reopen amid the pandemic. The renowned Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster, built in 1924, was among the rides to reopen.

“Saturday, November 7 is one of the most historic days in the 113-year history of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk,” said Boardwalk spokesperson Kris Reyes in a news release ahead of the reopening of rides. “Boardwalk rides have sat silent since March and on Saturday the thrills will return in a fun and safe manner that ensures the health and safety of all Boardwalk guests and employees.”

But the fun was short-lived. Rides closed after just one weekend in service.

Santa Cruz County saw a spike in cases among minors and younger adults after the Halloween weekend and was placed back into the red tier Tuesday. The county could move into the most-restrictive purple tier soon, Santa Cruz County Health Officer Gail Newel said during a news conference this week.

The boardwalk announced the closures Wednesday. The community lamented a brief amusement park experience, but was quick to rally in support of the local landmark.

"Hang in there," wrote one man. "The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a California icon ... your fans will be ready to come back, I'll be the first one in line!"

Ride access reservations will be refunded, the boardwalk said.

Get more details on what's open and what's closed at the boardwalk here.