Former workers protest Indiana Beach

MONTICELLO, Ind. (WLFI) - It's not exactly a silent protest, but former employees of Indiana Beach said they are taking a stand for those that still work and play at the park.

"It's a sad state that the park is in right now and we want to make that aware to the guests," said Protest organizer Darrell Price.

Price said he resigned from his job at Indiana Beach on Friday. He said he and other workers are concerned.

"There are possible unsafe conditions, because of the way they treat their rides. They can not or will not get the parts to keep the rides open and safe properly," said Price.

Price said one of the problems is the Saratoga Springs, New York-based Morgan Management, owners of the park. He said last week one of his fellow employees was fired by the owner of the park for what Price said was no apparent reason.

"Specific details I'm not at liberty to discuss at this time because of employee privacy," said Gary Quasebarth, Chief Operating Officer of Indiana Beach. Quasebarth said he was hired in the spring to do a major upgrade to the park.

"We invested millions of dollars in ride upgrades, repair, maintenance, and new attractions into this park. And the park is better right now than it has been in years and safer," said Quasebarth.

Quasebarth said the park has always had a great safety record throughout its history. He said this year they were able to hire more staff members than previous years, but he said the protest reflects a larger problem.

"I think this is symptomatic of a larger problems in the country right now, employment being what it is," said Quasebarth.

Price said some current and former Indiana Beach staff members disagree.

"We're explaining why rides are rotating because we're on a budget that forces us to rotate rides. People ask us why the Hurricane or the Cornball are down from the beginning of the season because we don't have the parts to pay for them," said Price.

Price said he has yet to receive his last pay check from the park, but he said so far the workers have been paid on time. He said the protesters plan to be outside every weekend until the park closes.