American Dream, which has been drawing crowds of more than 10,000 on many weekend days, said Friday it is temporarily closing down in an effort to keep the community safe from the outbreak of coronavirus.
The retail and entertainment facility in East Rutherford will shut down beginning Monday.
In a release, American Dream officials said they anticipate the facility will remain closed through the end of March, but they said they will continue to monitor the ongoing situation and follow the guidance of federal and state officials and public health agencies.
The closure means the opening of the DreamWorks Water Park and various retailers scheduled for March 19 will be postponed.
Officials also said DreamWorks Water Park and Nickelodeon Universe tickets purchased for use between March 16-March 31 will be automatically extended for use through the end of the year.
American Dream said the move is being made in the best interests of public health and stressed that there have been no reported cases of coronavirus connected to the facility.
Here is the release in full:
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to have global impact, we feel it is important to connect directly with you to share updates about American Dream.Â
Our hearts go out to all those who have been affected by the outbreak of COVID-19 both in the United States and globally, as well as in our local community. As a shopping and entertainment brand built for the largest and most diverse community in the world, we have a responsibility to keep that community informed and safe. Â
While there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at American Dream, after carefully reviewing the guidelines of public health agencies and, in the best interest of our guests and employees, we have made the difficult, but responsible, decision to close American Dream, beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We anticipate remaining closed through the end of March, but will continue to monitor the ongoing situation and follow the guidance of federal and state officials and public health agencies.Â
As part of this closure, (the) scheduled preview opening of DreamWorks Water Park and various retailers on March 19, 2020, at American Dream is being postponed. We will provide information about new dates soon, as we continue to work with and follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New Jersey Department of Health and the Bergen County Department of Health Services.
DreamWorks Water Park and Nickelodeon Universe tickets purchased for use between March 16, 2020, through March 31, 2020, will be automatically extended for use through Dec. 31, 2020.
Please contact American Dream guest services for any questions at 833-263-7326. We anticipate heavy call volumes over the next several days and appreciate your patience as we work diligently to respond to all inquiries. Â
As always, cleanliness and safety are paramount to the American Dream experience. It is our intent to remain transparent, providing you with the latest information available. As this worldwide crisis evolves and our governmental and public health agencies respond, we will react with this as our guiding principle. Â
We are committed to creating safe environments where memories are made for today and tomorrow. We are privileged to have you as a part of our community and look forward to seeing you soon.”
