Playland Set To Receive $60 Million In Improvements

County Executive Rob Astorino and Nicholas Singer of Standard Amusements announced Friday they have finalized the construction timetable for making $60 million worth of improvements to the park.

Astorino said the public-private partnership will protect taxpayer dollars. 

"Construction is now set to get under way, and once completed, Playland will be infused with new excitement and experiences to be enjoyed alongside all the traditions, like the Dragon Coaster, that are part of growing up in Westchester," Astorino said.

New rides like Windstarz, Revolution 32 and Unicoaster are scheduled to open in 2019. The park, which opens its 89th season on May 13, will remain fully operational during the construction phase.

“We are excited to be part of Playland’s future,” said Singer, a Harrison native. “Our goal is to focus on family fun that will create lasting memories while bringing new vitality into the park."

Playland is scheduled to open for its 89th season on May 13, 2017.

Astorino, Standard Amusements and the Board of Legislators reached an agreement last May on a plan to invest more than $60 million into Playland: $30 million from Standard Amusements, which carries with it the right to operate the park for 30 years, and $30 million from the county to pay for 11 capital projects on the property, including refurbishing historic rides, improving structures for games and concessions, as well as shoreline rehabilitation.

Standard Amusements will take over operations after 50 percent of the infrastructure work is complete, which is expected by November 2018.

The management agreement provides that Standard Amusements will pay the county $2,250,000; invest $27,750,000 million of its money within five years into refurbishing the park, and make annual payments to the county starting at $300,000 and escalating two-percent a year. Once Standard Amusements has recouped its initial investment, the county will participate in a sliding-scale profit sharing agreement.

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