Amusement Park News

Rye Playland, located in Rye, New York, has some influential friends in town: Friends of Rye Playland. The community nonprofit organization was established to help preserve the iconic, nostalgic park, which was in danger of closing last year.

Westchester County regained control of Playland after a dispute with its former operator, Standard Amusements. The launch of Friends of Rye Playland was designed to support the county and help preserve the park. The group's formation was announced by Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins late last month. The organization is chaired by Robin Latimer, wife of former County Executive George Latimer, now a U.S. House representative.

The group plans to work in partnership with the county to support special events and programming at the park while helping ensure its long-term stability. It will also assist in expanding public interest and engagement at Rye Playland and encourage philanthropic investment in the historic amusement park.

Latimer believes the nonprofit—and the community itself—must play an active role in the park's future. That future was in doubt last year when Standard Amusements walked away from its three-year contract and its role as park operator in February 2025. The move prompted an emergency order that allowed Westchester County to take over operations. The takeover came just in time for the 280-acre park to open as usual on Memorial Day, despite some rides being inoperable.



Since the rushed takeover and reopening, Westchester County has emphasized public stewardship, long-range planning, and safety at the park, which remains a regional treasure. Rye Playland opened in 1928, and although much has changed since then, residents' love for the park has remained steadfast.

Friends of Rye Playland held its first meeting two weeks ago, with more than 25 supporters joining Latimer to discuss the park's storied past and share new ideas as the attraction approaches its 100th anniversary in 2028.

Latimer reflected on the struggles the park has endured and emphasized the importance of establishing a group that “will stand by it and help it survive… That's what our mission will be, to keep it a friendly, affordable park for all to enjoy.”

She outlined a monthly meeting schedule, explained the need to fill 12 board seats, and opened the floor for an enthusiastic discussion with Jenkins and attendees.

While there is work ahead, the park's viability is not in question. The Dragon Coaster was, according to Jenkins, “flat out rotting,” but it is now undergoing repairs in preparation for a Memorial Weekend opening this year. The coaster is one of just 48 roller coasters worldwide recognized by the American Coaster Enthusiasts as an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark.



The dragon's head, tail, wings, jaws, and legs have been removed for replacement and refurbishment. The recreated elements will feature galvanized steel frameworks and custom-molded fiberglass. The dragon's iconic scales will be refurbished using vacuum-formed plastic designed to withstand the seaside climate along Long Island Sound.

“Playland is more than just a park,” Jenkins said. “It's Westchester's symbol of our ability to preserve history, create joy, drive local tourism—and guess what? This year it's going to open bigger and better.”

Last year's emergency takeover and rushed reopening were supported by Italian ride manufacturer Zamperla, which built many of the park's attractions. Even before receiving a formal contract, a team arrived from Italy to make repairs and ensure that many rides could operate.



Despite that assistance, challenges remained. “The carousel burned out in the middle of the year, so the horses weren't going up and down,” Jenkins said. He added that the issue has since been resolved. The goal this year, he noted, is to “make sure it opens 100% safe and to be able to move forward.”

Visitors can expect another free opening day, similar to last year's, along with improved and new events throughout the season. They may also begin to see the impact of Friends of Rye Playland's preservation efforts.



“We have so much history here in our parks in Westchester County, and we treasure the opportunity to continue that,” Jenkins said.

Summer hiring for the park will take place this month, including recruiting skilled mechanics and ride operators.

Playland encompasses several major elements: the amusement park, the beach along Long Island Sound, the Ice Casino, and a boardwalk. Latimer hopes to help coordinate these components while collaborating with other organizations, such as Friends of Rye Town Park and Friends of Read Wildlife Sanctuary, to support stewardship of the expansive Long Island Sound shoreline.



Turning Playland into a revenue generator for the county is not currently the priority, Jenkins said. “Playland is a park, and parks don't make money… but it could get close to breaking even. The park that costs the least for Westchester residents is Playland. The most expensive parks we run are golf courses.” He added that Playland is not only historic but also a deeply rooted part of the community, well worth preserving. “At the end of the day,” he said, “Playland belongs to all of us.”