Nov. 24, 2020
By Justin Mayewski
Staff Writer
Have you ever been to a water park where you had to keep a distance of 6 feet from others? At the new American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, this is just one of the guidelines that have been implemented. On Oct. 1, the American Dream Mall, which includes the DreamWorks Water Park, opened its doors at 25 percent capacity.
After years of preparation, however, the mall is still not fully open to the public due to the pandemic. Only the amusement park, arcade, ice rink, mini-golf courses and water park as well as approximately 130 stores are open to the public. The property’s Sea Life Aquarium, The Luxury Wing and Legoland Discovery Center are scheduled to open in the spring.
Senior Nick Morelli, who works at DreamWorks Water Park, said the American Dream Mall is taking proper precautions to keep both its customers and employees safe.
“We wear masks, constantly use hand sanitizer, social distance and [have] less people in our break room,” Morelli said.
Morelli said he and the lifeguard staff are making it a priority to keep themselves as safe as possible by following proper rules and guidelines.
“I think that having people in certain places of the mall, watching and making sure everyone is social distancing would make the mall safer.”
“As for the water park’s rules, most people are following the rules, and if not, we are trained to enforce those rules,” Morelli said.
Freshman Sofia Abreu said she agrees with the 25 percent capacity limit at the American Dream Mall.
“The mall is very big, but I think people should definitely practice social distancing,” Abreu said.
Abreu, who does not work at the American Dream Mall but has gone there as a shopper, said she wishes the mall did even more to protect patrons from the threat of Covid-19.
“I think that having people in certain places of the mall, watching and making sure everyone is social distancing would make the mall safer,” Abreu said.
Freshman Mohammed Safi, who visited the mall with Abreu, said he feels the protocol at the mall is appropriate.
“Due to the large capacity of the mall, I found it very easy to maintain the right social distancing requirements,” Safi said.
With Covid-19 cases rising, Safi said he is concerned that the second largest mall in the United States, which consists of numerous attractions and over 450 stores throughout its 3 million square feet, may contribute to the virus’ spread in Bergen County.
“A lot of people from lots of places will be visiting the American Dream Mall,” Safi said.
While Safi said he wishes that customers were required to wear gloves, he feels as long as customers are careful and follow proper safety guidelines, the mall is a great place to spend one’s free time.
The American Dream Mall cost roughly $5 billion and took 17 years to build. Now, as Covid-19 cases across the United States continue to rise, this retail and entertainment complex is proving that even in difficult times, it will fight to survive.
