STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga. — As the Skyride at Stone Mountain continues its daily ascent and descent, employees are facing the uncertain ups and downs of a change in ownership.
As Channel 2 Action News reported on Thursday, a notice was filed in Georgia’s WARN Act database showing that 497 employees across multiple park departments could face layoffs.
A Stone Mountain Park spokesperson says Aramark Destinations will take over the park’s amusement operations beginning June 1.
An Aramark spokesperson shared in a statement that Stone Mountain Park employees will have the opportunity to apply for positions as part of the transition.
On Thursday, parkgoers were left wondering how the transition to new management would affect their favorite rides and attractions.
“I would say to the new company, obviously you want to give it a chance—if they’re not worth it after six months, reevaluate,” Kirk Fielden told Channel 2’s Brittany Kleinpeter.
“The fact that they are making them reapply means they already have the mindset to bring in more people to be hired,” added visitor Christina Watson.
The 3,200-acre park is state-owned but operated through a public-private partnership. It includes two hotels, two golf courses, and attractions like the Summit Skyride, Scenic Railroad, and a nightly drone and light show.
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