Arts | Entertainment | Sports 2023: BRIDGETTE C. BYWATER

Coming out of pandemic-driven restrictions, “Kings Dominion will be the cure for cabin fever in 2023,” Bywater said in October 2022, announcing the 48-year-old amusement park’s intention to welcome guests year-round, adding weekends in January, February and March to its regular April to December season. Kings Dominion aimed to hire 2,500 employees this year; in 2021, the park raised its minimum hourly wage from $9.25 to $15.

Home to more than 60 rides, shows and attractions, including 12 roller coasters and the Soak City water park, the 400-acre park is back to full strength, also hosting popular annual events such as Grand Carnivale, Halloween Haunt and WinterFest.

It’s all happening under the watch of Bywater, who became the park’s vice president and general manager in 2021 after 24 years at Kings Dominion’s parent company, Cedar Fair Entertainment. Prior to Kings Dominion, she was director of park operations at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, Missouri, her hometown.

Bywater has a bachelor’s degree from Truman State University in Missouri and an MBA from Radford University; she also serves on the Richmond Region Tourism board and chairs its governance committee.