1st New Playland Ride In Decade Opens To Public

RYE, NY — With confetti cannons being shot into the air and the cutting of a red ribbon, the first new ride at Playland Park in more than a decade opened to the public Tuesday. Called the "Dragonator," the ride holds 24 people and is designed with a back restraint that leaves both arms and legs free to move as riders are spun around and travel along a "U"-shaped track. The ride is described as part roller coaster and part spinning ride.

"I live on the other side of this park, and I have watched it for a long time when it felt like people have given up on Playland," said County Executive George Latimer.

"I have never given up on Playland, we have never given up on Playland, because many of us here remember when we were young and enjoyed this park," he said.

"I have been given a fortunate opportunity to have the authority to do something with this park and now the people of Westchester are showing we can save Playland and move it forward."

The ride was named through suggestions by the public, with children attending the county's Nature Camp at Cranberry Lake Preserve choosing the name from five finalists.

Mount Pleasant resident Larry Gottlieb submitted the winning name.

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