Westchester officials announced Tuesday that they will be extending the Playland season for an additional two weeks in September, even as some of the amusement park’s iconic rides continue to be shuttered.
The waterfront park, which opened on Memorial Day weekend with the majority of its rides shuttered, usually closes its gates for the season after Labor Day. It will now remain open through the weekend of Sept. 13 and 14.
“Playland is a destination that brings joy to people of all ages, and by extending park hours, we’re making sure residents and visitors alike can squeeze in every last bit of fun before the season ends,” Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said. “It’s an opportunity for everyone to enjoy more time in the park and celebrate the end of summer together.”
There are currently 27 rides open, including 15 in Kiddyland. But many of the park’s main attractions like the historic Dragon Coaster, the ferris wheel and the log flume have remained closed all summer. A county spokesperson declined to tell The Record whether any additional rides would reopen before the season concludes in September.
This season at Playland also marked the first time in three years that Westchester County, which owns the art deco park, has been operating it.
The county suffered a messy divorce earlier this year with for-profit park management partner Standard Amusements, which announced in late January it would be exiting its 30-year management contract to run the historic park.
Following the split, county officials declared an “emergency situation” at Playland over the state of its rides, and hired an Italian ride manufacturer — Zamperla, Inc. — with a no-bid contract to inspect, repair, and maintain the rides at the park.
The county, after scrambling to make ride repairs and staff Playland, opened its gates with just 13 of its total 42 rides and attractions up and running.
Gradually over the summer, however, county officials slowly opened more rides.
Playland will be open for its final two weekends — Sept. 6-7 and Sept. 13-14 — from noon to 7 p.m.
