Santa Park closing down over fungus

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The Santa Park grotto in Rovaniemi is to close its doors for the summer because of an extensive problem with fungus and mildew growing in the structures.
      "It is really upsetting. Just when the product and our finances have been squeezed into shape", says CEO Wille Rajala.
     
A fungus study was conducted at the park recently after employees began suffering symptoms. The maximum permissible levels were exceeded considerably.
      Fungus and small particles were found in the air of the subterranean theme park, built in the late 1990s. Now much of the interior structures will have to be torn out and replaced. Extensive repairs are also in store for the ventilation system.
      The repairs are expected to cost hundreds of thousands of euros, and will be paid for by the theme park’s owner, the City of Rovaniemi.
      About 20 seasonal employees work in the summer at Santa Park on the Arctic Circle. In the winter there are 35. The park has only three year-round employees.
      Santa Park has had to cancel its foreign bookings for the summer.
      "Orders are high for Christmas, and we are putting great effort into preparations", Rajala says.
      During the fiscal period that is ending, the park has actually turned a profit. Growth in turnover is expected to be about 12 per cent.
     
During the repairs, Santa himself, the most important resident of the establishment, will move into temporary exile at the Santa Claus Office two kilometres away. The grotto will re-open on November 23rd.


Links:
  Santa Park
  Santa Claus Office

Helsingin Sanomat