Chelan water park seeks permission to reopen early in federal court
Jun 16, 2020, 6:15 AM | Updated: 8:54 am
A Chelan water park is challenging Governor Inslee’s reopening phases with a lawsuit in federal court.
Under Gov. Inslee’s phased reopening, Slidewaters and other water parks are not allowed to open back up until Phase 3. Chelan County just entered Phase 1.5 last week.
Although an application for a temporary restraining order was denied by a federal judge in Spokane on Friday, Slidewaters is seeking an injunction to protect it from repercussions by the government. The Department of Labor & Industries has the right to fine businesses operating against the governor’s order over $10,000.
“We felt like if we did not do something, then the government was just going to grind us into the ground and we were just going to lose everything we’ve worked for,” said Robert Bordner, Slidewaters co-owner. “We had to take some kind of action to what we feel is an overreaching government hindering our rights to operate and run a safe business.”
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The governor has allowed scuba centers, as well as recreation and lap pools, to open in Phase 1.5.
Bordner said his waterslide park is ready to reopen because it has put many safety precautions in place, such as social distancing (including space between chairs), temperature checks and screening questions at the entrance, increased cleaning of chairs and public spaces, and hand sanitizer throughout the park.
Staff members who enforce water safety will also be reminding visitors to separate from each other. Masks are not required of guests, but they are recommended in signage. Bordner noted that both Gov. Inslee and the CDC have pointed to chlorine as a way to kill germs.
“I’m disappointed that the government doesn’t trust me to operate my business safely,” he said.
If Slidewaters not able to reopen soon, Bordner fears the water park will have to close permanently.
“They operate on approximately a 100-day year — so from Memorial Day through Labor Day is when they’re open — and that is when they make all of their money,” said attorney Syndey Phillips, who represents Slidewaters through free market nonprofit The Freedom Foundation. “They employ 150 employees, and they’re at risk of losing their business altogether if they’re unable to open.”
Bordner pointed out that besides the jobs his business provides, he also attracts tourism and business for Chelan’s shops and restaurants by being a destination for people from out of the area.
Bordner said the restaurant and gift shop at Slidewaters are currently open as per Phase 1.5 rules, but he is considering reopening the entire park in violation of the governor’s order. He said he is prepared for any penalties that decision could earn him from the state.
“I’m not going to make decisions based on fear, threats from the government, fines, or any of this,” he said.
