Plans to Reinvent Playland Move Forward

A plan to switch-over control of Playland Amusement Park in Westchester County is moving forward.

The park has seen declined attendence, and it costs the county about $3 million a year to maintain the park as is.

County Executive Rob Astorino announced a 10-year agreement Thursday to let the non-profit organization Sustainable Playland manage and revitalize the park.

"To pretend that the status quo is acceptable is just not looking at reality," he said, "Great memories of Playland will not pay the bills so we really need to make it a much better destination, a year-round destination."

Astorino added that the county doesn't have the money to pay for it.

"Clearly Playland's become old," he said, "It needs new life and this will do it."

If approved by the Westchester Board of Legislators, Sustainable Playland would find contractors to add new rides, attractions and athletic facilities. Constuction could begin as soon as October. The agreement also includes the option for an additional 10 years.

Playland first opened in 1927.