Press Release: BOARD OKs RESTORATION OF HISTORIC PLAYLAND RIDES.

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  July 15, 2019

BOARD OKs RESTORATION OF HISTORIC PLAYLAND RIDES.

Carousel and Derby Racer to Get Overhaul.

White Plains, NY — On Monday, the Board of Legislators unanimously approved financing for the restoration of two of the park’s most famous rides, the Derby Racer and the Grand Carousel.

The approved work includes a complete overhaul of the park’s 104-year-old Carousel, the roof of which was damaged in a fire in 2017.  Also approved was the reconstruction of the building that houses the Derby Racer, which was built in 1927.  Both rides are on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Carousel project includes rebuilding the structure, the addition of fire breaks in the roof to inhibit the spread of fire in the future, the replacement of the sprinkler system and the installation of new electrical systems.

The county expects to recover a significant part of the cost of the Carousel work from insurance.  In addition, the county will receive around $465,000 in Historic Preservation Grant money for the Carousel project from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.  On Monday the Board approved funding of $5.57 million for the Carousel reconstruction, and $5 million for the Derby Racer.

The Carousel is expected to re-open next season.

Majority Leader Catherine Parker (D - Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Rye), in whose district Playland is located, said, “It’s exciting to see the County fully committed to bringing these rides back to their glory.  This has been a great summer at Playland, with attendance up significantly over recent years, and the first new ride installed at the park in more than a decade. Approval of these renovations is another step in Playland’s renewal.”

Minority Whip MaryJane Shimsky (D - Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Edgemont, Hartsdale, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington), chair of the Board’s Public Works Committee, said, “Maintaining and improving these historic rides isn’t just about preserving the past, it’s an investment in the future, since a revitalized Playland means greater attendance and more revenue.”

Legislator Catherine Borgia (D - Briarcliff Manor, Cortlandt, Croton-on-Hudson, Ossining, Peekskill), chair of the Board’s Budget and Appropriations Committee, said, “It’s good to see that the county is finally committing the kind of resources Playland needs.  We’ve seen, with this year’s increased attendance, how county commitment to the park can pay off.  Restoring these historic rides will help extend that payoff for decades.”