Crowds form as Montgomery County waterpark reopens

NEW CANEY, Texas (KTRK) -- Big Rivers Waterpark is among the Texas amusement sites that has announced its reopening in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The New Caney leisure spot opened Saturday morning as a crowd of hundreds waited. Some eager visitors showed up several hours before the gates opened.

The park's opening is in apparent defiance of an order from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott amid the coronavirus pandemic. Water parks have been ordered to remain closed across the state.

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In order to mitigate the crowds for families' safety and comfort, the park will be limiting guest entry into the park to 2,020 guests, Big Rivers added.

The park is also selling season passes to guests, but those would be sold by appointment only.