NEW YORK (WCBS 880) – One of the first amusement parks in the U.S. opened Saturday for its 91st season.
Rye Playland, which originally opened in 1927 and sits along the Rye Beach, is back with all the fan favorites, including the 90-year-old Dragon Coaster.
Westchester Deputy Park Commissioner Peter Tartaglia says maintaining a roller coaster built in 1929 is no easy task.
“We do a lot of repair off season, because it is a wood roller coaster. So it's a living ride, it's a living being, basically. So there's a lot of wood and concrete that's replaced off season,” Tartaglia said.
Related: Westchester County Executive Assures Safety Of Rye Playland Ahead Of Seasonal Opening
In March of last year, a consultant for Standard Amusements, which was under contract to operate Playland, reported a risk of foodborne illnesses at the park, as well as structural issues with the Dragon Coaster.
Park officials insist that report was done in the off-season and that Playland is completely safe. Playland General Manager Frank Carreri says he takes his kids to the park to ride the rides and eat the food.
“They ride the Dragon Coaster, all the rides here,” he said. “I bring my kids down here. I feed them the food here, the pizza, the hot dogs. I have no concerns, because I see what goes on here to maintain the park.”
Standard Amusement’s contract with the county was eventually terminated by County Executive George Latimer.
Latimer cut the ribbon on the 91st season Saturday and said it’s time for a rebirth of the park.
“Be reintroduced to this park that’s been hiding in plain sight for a decade. We’re opening the doors again to make sure everybody understands we’re here and this is a fabulous experience,” Latimer said.