Rye Playland Is Back Again With Historic Rides Restored

RYE, NY — Rye Playland will open to the public on Saturday after being closed last season due to the coronavirus, but park officials weren't idle while the gates were closed.

In a hopeful sign of life returning to normal, one of the Hudson Valley's most popular attractions will reopen its doors again. Playland workers used the time off to restore some of the 93-year-old amusement park's former glory.

Playland will officially reopen on June 26, but county officials offered a preview of the restored historic attractions on Friday.

Opening day visitors will have a chance to once again ride the 106-year-old Mangels-Carmel carousel. The ride was originally built for an amusement park in Connecticut, but has been a staple at Playland Park since it opened in 1928.

Restoration on the carousel was completed this year after flames, smoke and water caused significant damage to the roof and 66 hand-carved horses in 2017.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer described the restoration work at Playland in personal terms on Friday. He recalled taking a bus from his Mount Vernon home when he was only seven years old to ride the carousel and spend the day at the beach with his family.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer was among the first to ride the newly restored Grand Carousel on Friday. (Jeff Edwards)

"I was devastated by the news of the carousel fire in 2017 - the historic carousel is one of the crown jewels of the park. Since I came into office we have worked hard to restore the ride to its original splendor, and this is another example of motivated County government at work,” Latimer said announcing the return of the beloved ride. “The employees at Playland have done a fantastic job readying the park for the 2021 season, and I look forward to hearing the roar of the Dragon Coaster coupled with laughter under the warm sunshine this summer."

Latimer said that there were times in recent years when those in charge of county government believed that Playland’s best days were behind it and it looked as if the land where the art deco amusement park sits might be repurposed for another use. He vowed that Playland’s best days were still to come, saying the improvements unveiled this week were a “symbol of respect for the traditions of Playland” and the generations who helped to create those traditions.

Westchester is back. Playland is back. And so is Coaster. (Jeff Edwards)

Another one of the park’s attractions enjoyed for generations, also received some TLC while the attractions at the seaside theme park were shuttered during a global pandemic.

The Derby Racer, described as the Grand Carousel's rougher, faster big brother, is one of only three steeple chase rides still in existence. The Derby racer was built in 1927 for Playland by Prior & Church. The horses move back and forth as well as up and down, simulating a true gallop as it races around the track.

“Westchester County is open,” Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Ken Jenkins declared jubilantly. “Rye Playland is open.”

The work at Playland isn’t finished. The park is undergoing a $100 million historic reconstruction, including the pool and towers at all three entrances. Reconstruction around the Fountain Plaza will begin in September.

There is still work to be done at Playland. (Jeff Edwards)

To celebrate the return of fun in the Hudson Valley, Playland is offering reduced ticket prices for the upcoming season. Rider wristbands are $20, and Junior Rider wristbands are $15, per person. Spectator wristbands are free for Westchester County residents. Proof of residency is required. Spectator wristbands are $10 for non-residents. Parking will be $10 per car.

The coronavirus is waning and mini-golf by the sea is once again in the cards in the Hudson Valley. (Jeff Edwards)

Visitors who have not been fully vaccinated are required to wear masks.

Playland will once again be open to the public starting on June 26 through Labor Day. The park will open its gates Wednesday through Sunday with special Monday openings on July 5, and September 6, for Independence Day and Labor Day weekends. Information about the season's full schedule and advance online tickets can be found here or by calling 914-813-7000.