Children aged 15 and under can no longer visit Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park without the company of an adult chaperone. Starting at 3 p.m. every day, this same rule will apply to 16 and 17-year-olds.

The park's Code of Conduct defines an adult chaperone as a "supervising adult at least 21 years of age who traveled to the park with the minor's party." Chaperones must provide a valid ID and cannot leave their minor's party during their visit.

If a minor is found without a chaperone, they may be ejected from Elitch Gardens without a refund or detained at the park.

According to Elitch Gardens' Facebook page, the park updated its policy due to experiences with "unruly" teenagers.

"Elitch Gardens strives to maintain a fun, family-friendly environment and this policy modification better enables us to do so," read the post. "The Park has experienced some unsupervised and unruly teenagers attending this summer that can alter this environment. Elitch Gardens will continue to provide quality, safe family fun for Denver families as we have for the last 130 years."

The announcement sparked outrage in the Facebook comment section, with some claiming that the change will make it difficult for single-parent and working families. Others demanded refunds, stating that they could no longer get full use out of their season pass.

However, some defended the park's decision and noted their own negative experiences with teenagers there.

Elitch Gardens is asking that guests who "the policy modification absolutely does not work for" express their concerns to info@elitchgardens.com. Due to limited staff, there may be delayed response times.

10 Tallest Buildings In Denver

 

 

More From Townsquare Fort Collins