Crowds Rush To Pacific Park Reopening At Santa Monica Pier

SANTA MONICA, CA — Crowds rushed to Pacific Park Easter Sunday, prompting police to limit access at the Santa Monica Pier.

The pier reopened fully Friday and rides resumed at the amusement park.

"ALERT: Due to crowding there is limited access to the Santa Monica Pier. No emergency or danger, just due to crowding," Santa Monica Police Department announced via Twitter Sunday night about 6:57 p.m.

Officers closed off the entrance to the Santa Monica Pier, near Ocean Avenue, and the stairs near Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Santa Monica Police Lt. Rudy Flores told Patch.

The park reopened rides, including the Pacific Wheel, with guidance from the state and county.

"The return to ride operations is in alignment with other amusement parks in the county and a result of collaboration on safety guidelines with local and state officials to continue a phased reopening based on the Blueprint for a Safer Economy tier assignment," park officials told Patch.

The Park is also offering select services in its over-the-ocean dining plaza, beachside retail, and midway games.

Some guidelines have changed at the park:

• Guests can now purchase ride tickets online before visiting.
• A single entrance to the ride area is open at the east side of the park.
• The park will monitor the number of people there at one time.

"Pacific Park’s top priority is the health and safety of its guests and employees," officials said. "The Park has implemented procedures advised by IAAPA’s “Reopening Guidance: Considerations for the Attractions Industry” to limit guests’ potential exposure to public-use surfaces and each other."

California Emergency Health Orders still require all people to wear a mask or face covering while outside of their home and around other people.

The park and rides have been closed throughout the pandemic.

The park’s hours are subject to change on short notice. The current operating schedule can be found online at pacpark.com/hours. The Santa Monica Pier, beaches, and parking lots are all open, but some services and offers may be limited due to the pandemic, officials said.

For more news and information about the vaccine rollout in California, visit Patch's information hub. Also, be sure to check out How To Get The Coronavirus Vaccine In California.

Editor's Note: This story was updated with additional comments from Santa Monica Police Department at 9:45 a.m.

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