MONTICELLO -- The Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark will not be reopening anytime soon.

Currently, New York State regulations requires the closure of attractions/recreation businesses, such as The Kartrite, until further guidance is issued.

“While we await the required guidance, we have determined the resort will remain closed for an extended period,” they said in a statement on their website on Tuesday. “As difficult as this decision is, it is driven by our continued priority on the safety and well-being of our associates and guests. We look forward to welcoming you, our Kartrite family and friends, back to The K soon! Until then, stay healthy and safe.”

The Kartrite also stated that they are automatically canceling individual reservations through the balance of 2020 and providing a full refund.

Kartrite's extended closure and the state's decision to keep casinos like Resorts World Catskills from opening adds to the financial hit the region has taken.

“Kartrite's temporary closing is a significant blow to Sullivan County in both employment and tax revenue,” County Manager Josh Potosek said. “By their count, more than 400 local residents will not be receiving a paycheck from the waterpark for many months to come, and neither will the County be collecting what is likely hundreds of thousands of dollars in sales and room taxes. The Kartrite was just getting its feet underneath it as a top-notch addition to our growing attractions, and along with the ongoing closure of fellow major employer Resorts World Catskills, its loss will be keenly felt.”

The Town of Thompson is also affected by the closures.

“I'm highly disappointed, but I understand (the decision), and my heart goes out to the employees (at the Kartrite) and their families,” said Thompson Supervisor Bill Rieber Jr.

He added that revenue wise, “It's a big hit. It puts us right back to where we were before the casino and the Kartrite came online, which also gives you an indication that we'll be able to handle it.”

As far as Sullivan County overall, preliminary job data released by the New York State Department of Labor for June 2020, shows an unemployment rate of 12.2 percent.

Compared to June 2019, a total of 2,700 less people are employed (dropped from 24,000 to 21,300). The biggest loss was in the leisure and hospitality sector, with 1,500 less people employed compared to this time last year.

“The closure of the Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark and Resorts World Catskills are absolutely devastating to our Sullivan Catskills tourism industry,” said Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association President/CEO Roberta Byron-Lockwood. “The summer is the most vital of seasons in our destination. Both resort facilities are extremely important partners in our travel portfolio and bring a tremendous positive impact to the economic base of our county, region and state.”

“The Kartrite's decision to extend their closure and reopen in April, 2021 saddens us, however, with no guidance yet in place from our state; we know this choice is difficult,” Byron-Lockwood said. “Kartrite customer service has always exceeded expectations and their team strives to create an enjoyable family atmosphere of comfort and fun, always putting their guests' safety needs above all else. I am not surprised that they are now taking great caution to ensure the well-being of their customers and staff. I am confident that when they reopen they will shine again.”