Playland Park history

By then (1927) Darling had constructed amusement parks in New Zealand, at the British Empire Exposition in Wembley, and at the Modern Art Exposition in Paris, and was well known as an old amusement man, in experience, but not in years or enthusiasm.

Work was finished in time for the scheduled opening on May 26, 1928.

Playland still boasts seven original rides that pre-date 1930.

Redden’s son became the park’s manager in 1951.

The amusement park closed after the 1961 season.

In 1966, a major fire at the amusement park claimed some of Rye Playland's all-time classic attractions, including the original Bumper Car ride and the "Magic Carpet" Funhouse.

Westchester County took over operation in 1983.

The previous year 1987, the Dragon Coaster was craftily employed in “Fatal Attraction” for the famous scene where Glenn Close, playing the role of mad stalker Alex Forrest, kidnaps the object of her affection, Dan’s (Michael Douglas’) child and takes her on a creepy roller coaster ride.

In 1995, Mariah Carey showed off her talent as well as Rye Playland in the iconic pop video for her hit song “Fantasy.” The brilliantly shot video has a quintessentially “New York” feel.

By 2001, Playland was Westchester's most visited park, seeing one million visitors that year.

For the 2002 season, Playland unveiled three new rides: the Kite Flyer, Crazy Mouse, and Sky Skater.

The first was in 2004, when a 7-year-old unbuckled her restraint to wave to someone and fell out of the car of the “Mind Scrambler” ride.

In 2005, a little boy boarded the “Ye Olde Mill” Ride alone.

The “Mind Scrambler” claimed another victim in 2007 when an adult employee was still securing guests when the ride started up.

In 2012, Hurricane Sandy claimed parts of Playland's boardwalk, flooded and caused substantial damage to the Ice Casino, and scattered debris throughout Read Sanctuary.