Calypso's Cove will not open this summer. Here's why

Recreation park Calypso's Cove Family Fun Center will not open this summer due to a staffing shortage, park officials said Friday.

Located next door to Enchanted Forest Water Safari in Old Forge, the park features bumper boats, batting cages, mini golf, a zip line and snack bar among its attractions. It's a common destination for families to unwind at after taking in the water slides and other rides at Water Safari, said Katie Wojdyla, vice president and director of marketing for Water Safari and Calypso’s Cove.

Calypso's Cove's later hours is what made it difficult to staff this year, Wojdyla said. Usually the park is primarily staffed by international students working at the park under the J-1 visa program, she said. Because most live on site, they can work the later shifts. But since the COVID-19 pandemic, recruitment in the program has been halved from previous year totals, she said.

“We’re still hopeful to try to open something at Calypso’s if possible,” she said. “But at this time, we’re not just there yet.”

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Water Safari opened on June 15 this year. Typically both parks are open through Labor Day. Wojdyla said park-goers can stay updated on Calypso's Cove at the park's website or Facebook page.

H. Rose Schneider covers public safety, breaking and trending news for the Observer-Dispatch. Email Rose at hschneider@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Calypso Cove in Old Forge won't open this summer. Here's why