Rye Playland to open for Memorial Day weekend for free with limited rides
RYE, New York (WABC) -- After months of uncertainty and a court fight, Rye Playland is officially reopening for the season this holiday weekend.
Westchester's County Executive Ken Jenkins walked through the century-old amusement park on Friday as work continues to bring the landmark back up to speed.
Playland had to work to fast-track the opening, after a private owner bailed, leaving the park to play catch-up.
"We are really trying as fast as we can with a great group of people that have put blood, sweat and tears in to do that from every department to make a difference to be able to open the park as beautifully as we can," Jenkins said.
Customers will have access to the beach and pool on opening weekend, and food service will be available.
The rides, however, are currently being inspected for safety and will come back on a rolling basis.
Only eight of 21 Kiddyland rides and just five of the major attractions for the older set are operational. The rest, like the iconic dragon coaster, remain closed.
"These rides were not winterized. They were left out in the elements, and the supplies and materials to bring them back to a safe operational condition were not met," said Joan McDonald, Director of Operations.
It will only cost $10 to park at Playland this season
Admission will be free on Memorial Day weekend, as will the rides. Prices after that will vary, depending on how many rides are up and running.
For those looking for a summer job, Rye Playland is still hiring.
Built in 1928, Playland was the only government-owned amusement park in the country for decades.
In 2016, the county executive, Rob Astorino, signed a 30-year deal with Standard Amusements to privatize Playland. Both sides were supposed to split the cost of improvements.
A few years in, the county claims the company failed to maintain and winterize rides, despite Westchester paying nearly $150 million in upgrades.
The county and Standard Amusements are in arbitration to determine which side is liable for breach of contract.
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