Silverwood gearing up for summer
Photo courtesy Silverwood Theme Park Boulder Beach at Silverwood Theme Park is scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend.
COEUR d'ALENE — Silverwood Theme Park is going the distance to bring employees to work.
In response to rising gas prices closing in on $5 a gallon for regular unleaded, Silverwood is offering bus transportation from Liberty Lake and Coeur d’Alene, with two routes available each day.
Stephanie Sampson, public relations manager, said a large portion of their workers who are cast members are high school students and Silverwood is their first job.
“Many struggle to find reliable transportation to and from work," she said.
Providing a shuttle service for employees has been previously discussed, but today’s record-high gas prices prompted Silverwood to go ahead with it.
The cost to employees using the service will be $25 a week.
“We are hopeful that with the implementation of this program, we will be able to cultivate a fun work environment, where cast members feel accommodated and appreciated," she said.
Meanwhile, Silverwood is gearing up for another busy year, with its Boulder Beach water park slated to open Memorial Day weekend, even with a forecast of clouds and low temperatures in the 40s. The rides have been open on weekends since Mother’s Day.
It will build toward a summer force of 1,500.
“We are currently looking to hire all positions throughout the park,” Sampson said.
The park is paying a minimum wage of $16 and has openings for ride operators, lifeguards, cooks and game attendants.
A train engineer starts at $17.25 an hour, a baker at $17 and retail supervisor at $18.
Completing its workforce has been challenging the past two years due to COVID-19, and will likely be again this year, especially with many employment opportunities elsewhere.
"Kids nowadays have so many choices,” Sampson said.
To sweeten the job offer, Silverwood offers season passes to employees, tickets for friends and flexible hours.
“We're confident we're going to get what we need,” Sampson said.
Silverwood, which opened in 1988, has about 70 rides and attractions and the water park. It is located nearly 20 miles north of Coeur d’Alene, just off U.S. 95 near Athol.