Rye Playland to open for Memorial Day weekend for free with limited rides
RYE, New York (WABC) -- It's official, Rye Playland will open for the season on Memorial Day weekend.
Westchester County executives discussed the plans Wednesday morning.
Playland is working to fast-track the opening, after a private owner bailed, leaving the park to play catch-up.
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.
"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.
Playland's pool and beach are set to operate normally.
Prices after that will vary, depending on how many rides are up and running.
Only rides that have been repaired and inspected will be available.
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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