Amid growing concerns about the future of Playland amusement park, Westchester County has issued an emergency order to ensure the park's 2025 season goes ahead. Following the abrupt departure of its previous operator, Standard Amusements, the park's preparedness was at risk, prompting county officials to bypass normal procedures and enlist Zamperla, Inc. The global amusement ride manufacturer, recognized for its work on Coney Island, has been entrusted with getting the nearly 100-year-old park operational, without the typical bidding process.
As reported by Gothamist, the county's decision followed Standard Amusements' departure from the park, leaving rides disassembled and missing parts. Determined to avoid another lost season, County Executive Kenneth Jenkins has pledged to open Playland in some form this summer, recalling the park's closure in 2020 due to the pandemic. The emergency order addressed the absence of spare parts and the inadequate winterization of rides, a necessary step given the abrupt termination of the contract with Standard.
Plans for Playland's revival are underway, but the exact opening date remains unclear. The county has not yet provided specific details on when or how the park will reopen to the public. While County Executive Jenkins confirmed last week that the park will open this year, the timeline and further details have not been finalized, as outlined by a report from lohud.com.
In a statement overlooking the urgency of the county's situation, Parks Commissioner Kathleen O’Connor expressed that "In order to open the iconic Playland Amusement Park for a portion of the 2025 operation season, the county will need to hire a company to inspect specific rides, secure all necessary supplies and parts to operate the rides, repair and thereafter maintain the rides," as per lohud.com.
The situation at Westchester's Playland has also taken a political turn, with Republican Christine Sculti, who is running for Jenkins' seat this fall, holding the current administration responsible. In a statement obtained by lohud.com, Sculti criticized the handling of the situation and suggested a lack of contingency planning. Meanwhile, Zamperla, Inc., known for its work on roller coasters worldwide and its revitalization of Coney Island, has been brought in to manage the park's needs.
