School is almost out for the summer, and that might mean trips to Joyland for families. But are those rides safe, and how do you know for sure?
“The safety of the amusement park is a never-ending job. You’re always trying to improve upon what you’re doing,” said David Dean, owner of Joyland.
Safety is something Dean takes very seriously, knowing that if the park is not safe, people won’t come.
“If we’re not a safe park, then we’re not here,” Dean said.
He knows feeling safe while visiting Joyland is more important than the fun kids will have.
“I feel like when people come to see us, their kids are our kids. We try to treat safety just like that,” he said.
Inspections start every day at 8 a.m. and include the inspections team testing every ride multiple times for any problems that might come up.
“About four or five of us do that, looking over all the rides thoroughly,” he said, “looking for any problems or adjustment or that kind of thing.”
If they do ever find a problem with one of the rides, Joyland Operations is sure to act quickly.
“I question why. ‘Why is it loose?'” he said. “Sometimes it’s something real simple, but other times there’s a reason behind it and that’s why we do what we do.”
For Dean, amusement park safety is personal to him.
“My kids still come out here. I don’t want them to ride something that’s unsafe, and I don’t want other kids to ride something that’s unsafe,” he said.
They also have state inspectors come to the park to check their rides and equipment frequently.
Joyland is open six days a week all summer starting at the end of May.
CLICK HERE for the full Joyland schedule and admissions prices.
