Enchanted Forest Water Safari staff have officially announced they won't be opening for the summer.

"I really miss Water Safari. I wish they could've got themselves open this year, been allowed to open. But that's how it goes. We'll have to all get through this," said Pied Piper owner Rick Brown.

The Pied Piper is a place to grab a bite to eat in Old Forge.

It also just so happens to be across from Enchanted Forest Water Safari.

"It's such a big strong business for the area. It's always brought in so much extra business for us. I see a lapse in my midday because they're not there," Brown said.

Enchanted Forest Water Safari staff wish they could have opened too, and had a safety plan to do so, but not receiving word from the state by the end of July is what a co-owner says led to the decision to stay closed this summer.

"We have not been given the green light from New York State to open. We were ready. We had put things in place based on previous guidance and regulations for visiting our park this summer, but it just wasn't in the cards for us," said Enchanted Forest Water Safari co-owner Katie Wojdyla.

They plan to reopen next year.

In the meantime, their gift shop is open Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and they have other open attractions such as the Water's Edge Inn, Old Forge Camping Resort, and Calypso's Cove.

Not to mention many other outdoor Old Forge favorites, which business owners hope will help keep the local economy afloat.

"Hiking, restaurants, shops. There's lots of stuff that's open. The hotels are open, campgrounds," Wojdyla said. "There's definitely still reason to visit Old Forge for sure, and visit the beautiful Adirondacks."

"There's always a nice breeze up here, and we're out of the city. You can keep six feet, 12 feet, you can keep 100 feet apart if you need to," Brown said.

Water Safari was going to have three new rides ready this year, but it looks like they'll have to debut in 2021.

And if you need to know more about tickets, season passes and rentals you can visit the park's website.