Expect Changes If You're Headed To Kennywood

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – If you plan to come to Kennywood this weekend, expect some changes.

You will notice them as soon as you come through the gates.

The changes were prompted by a fight that broke out last Saturday involving 50 to 75 teenagers at the Kiddie Rides, forcing the park to close early.

The scuffle then spread to a nearby McDonald's.

Monday morning, Kennywood management met with law enforcement including West Mifflin Police, where ideas were put on the table for keeping the park safe.

"The big thing that we'll notice is an increase in security presence, a visual increase," said Kennywood Spokesperson Nick Paradise. "You will see more Kennywood in-house security ... and West Mifflin police expressed that they will have more presence here at the gate, possibly in the park. Not just Saturday and Sunday, but going forward."

West Mifflin Police Chief Ken Davies says some officers will be in uniform, others will not.

One other thing on the table of ideas and suggestions is a chaperone requirement for children.

"It is something that's under consideration," said Paradise. "It's been discussed, something we are talking about, so it is on the table. We are not implementing right now."

Paradise says the park is also closely monitoring social media and is asking the community to notify the park or police if they hear or see anything.

Police say last Saturday's melee doesn't appear to have been planned.

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