County Executive Ken Jenkins is creating a private nonprofit to support Rye Playland.
Robin Latimer, wife of U.S. Rep. George Latimer — who was the previous county executive — will be chairwoman of the group, to be called Friends of Rye Playland.
The Latimers are familiar with the landmark property; their longtime home on Roosevelt Avenue home borders the park.
The move comes a year after Standard Amusements abruptly ended its contract to run Playland, turning control of the historic park back to Westchester County.
The Friends of Rye Playland will work with the county to encourage philanthropic investment, enhance public engagement, support special programming and events, and help ensure Playland’s long-term vitality, according to Westchester County Communications Director Catherine Cioffi.
Calling Playland “a place filled with memories for generations of Westchester families,” Jenkins said the formation of the Friends group is “an exciting opportunity for the community to play a more active role in supporting this historic destination and shaping its future.”
Even before formation of the new nonprofit, Latimer had set to work on Facebook seeking input from those interested in Playland’s future. The Friends of Rye Playland Facebook page states it is “a group to help rejuvenate this gem and point those that serve Playland in the right direction with ideas and suggestions for improvements.”
“Involving the energy and ideas of residents will help make the present and the future of Playland Park more successful,” Robin Latimer said. “The community is going to have a role to play in the days to come — and that’s different and exciting news.”
Cioffi said additional details about the Friends of Rye Playland, including opportunities for membership and involvement, will be announced in the coming weeks.
At least eight Westchester County parks — including Rye’s Marshlands Conservancy and Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary — enjoy the support of nonprofit “friends” groups, according to the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Conservation website.
