(File Photo of the Kennywood Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(West Mifflin, PA) Kennywood expanded its chaperone policy for the second consecutive weekend after officials said they became aware of social media posts about a possible “unauthorized gathering” planned for Saturday. 

In a Facebook post Friday, Kennywood announced that its evening chaperone policy would be in effect for the entire day on June 6. Under the policy, guests ages 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older with a valid photo ID to enter the park. 

“We are aware of social media posts circulating regarding a possible unauthorized gathering at the park. We have zero tolerance for disruptive behavior,” the park said in its online statement. 

It is the second time this season that Kennywood has expanded its chaperone policy. The park implemented the same restrictions on May 30th. 

The move comes amid concerns about a trend of so-called “teen takeovers,” which prompted officials to adopt a chaperone policy in Pittsburgh’s recently renovated Market Square. The policy was implemented after a gathering of about 40 young people escalated into a fight that required police intervention. Pittsburgh Public Safety said officers used pepper spray to disperse the crowd. 

Kennywood has maintained a chaperone policy since 2020. Under normal summer operations, the policy took effect at 4 p.m. on Saturday. 

The West Mifflin amusement park opened for the 2026 season on April 18. The season marks the first full year under ownership by Herschend Family Entertainment, the parent company of Dollywood, which acquired Palace Entertainment’s 24 U.S. attractions, including Kennywood, Sandcastle and Idlewild & SoakZone.