District Attorney Stephen Zappala threatens to block Kennywood opening day
WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. (KDKA) — Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala says if Kennywood's management does not improve the park's security, he will take the park to court and keep it closed. Zappala made the comments Friday during a press conference.
Despite security improvements, Zappala made very clear that he believes the park, as it stands, is not a safe place to take children or a family.
"I'm going to continue to be a pain in the a** for Kennywood, and I don't really care," Zappala said.
These comments from Zappala are in the wake of a shooting in September of 2022 that involved a modified semi-automatic 9mm pistol.
"The most beautiful sound in the world is children laughing. On Sept. 24, 2022, you heard gunfire and kids screaming. That's not what Kennywood Park is supposed to be about," Zappala said.
Zappala says he made a series of safety improvement suggestions. The park did take some measures with more police, chaperone policies and bag policies as well as cutting down trees for sight lines.
However, Zappala wants more and says park management hasn't been cooperative.
"We had to get a warrant to get back on to the site," he added.
Zappala pointed out problems with security, including perimeter fencing and gate improvements. He also said if the suggested improvements aren't made, he's prepared to go to court and have the 125-year-old amusement park shuttered until such improvements are made.
"We've taken over housing complexes. We've taken over bars, numerous nuisance establishments. And if you are not going to make it safe for children, as far as I'm concerned, you are a nuisance," Zappala said.
Kennywood released a statement on Zappala's comments saying, "The safety and security of our guests and team members is always our top priority and we've taken several measures to assure this. We are looking forward to the park opening and celebrating Kennywood's 125 birthday.
"We fully support the investigation in any way possible."
RELATED STORIES:
- 3 shot, including 2 teens, at Kennywood in West Mifflin
- Questions raised after 3 people shot at Kennywood's Phantom Fall Fest
- Family of man shot at Kennywood shares story: 'Terrified. Terrified. So terrified.'
- Kennywood increasing security and perimeter enhancements following triple shooting during Phantom Fall Fest
- Charges dropped against teen arrested in Kennywood shooting