It’s beginning to look a lot like summer at the Benedum Civic Center. The fountains are on, the pool will soon be filled as families gear up for the sunshine season. Area families can count on Bridgeport Parks and Recreation for vacation needs, too. Again this year, the city hub is offering discounted tickets to Kennywood, Sandcastle and Idlewild theme parks, a deal that will not only save money but also eliminating the need to stand in line for tickets once arriving at the park.

 

According to Michelle Leonard of Bridgeport Parks and Recreation, discounted tickets from the regular gate price are as follows: $35 for Kennywood (gate price $48.99 for those 46 inches and taller up through age 54); $34 for Idlewild (gate price $44.99 general admission ages 3-59) and $26 for Sandcastle (gate price $35.99 for those 49 inches and taller).

 

At Kennywood and Idlewild, gate prices for seniors are less expensive at the gate: Kennywood: $25.99 for seniors age 55 and older and Idlewild: $26.99 for seniors age 60 and older.

 

All theme park ticket purchases through Bridgeport Parks and Recreation must be cash-only transactions, Leonard said.

 

In addition to being beneficial for locals purchasing tickets, the program is beneficial to Bridgeport Parks and West Virginia Parks programs.

Director of Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Joe Shuttleworth explained that the program is offered by the West Virginia Recreation and Parks Association (WVRPA) to member municipal and county groups, such as Bridgeport Parks and Recreation. A small part of ticket proceeds benefits WVRPA, as well as the city of Bridgeport’s Friends of the Park budget item. It’s not a huge amount, but it does accumulate and comes in handy when equipment and other items – from park benches to grills – are needed, Shuttleworth said.

 

The ideal times to purchase theme park tickets at Benedum Civic Center is 8 a.m. through 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office is open evenings and weekends on some occasions. If purchasing tickets outside of the time window specified, call 304-842-8240 to see if someone is in the office.