Santa Park closing down over fungus

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Santa Park closing down over fungus

Helsingin Sanomat - Helsinki,Uusimaa,Finland

http://www.hs.fi/english/article/Santa+Park+closing+down+over+fungus/

1135226986649

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.