Manager of iconic NY amusement park from movie Big wants out of contract now taxpayers could be on hook for up to $57M

The manager of an iconic amusement park featured in the movie “Big” accused Westchester County of violating their contract – and now taxpayers may have to fork over up to $57 million.The private company running Playland Park in Rye is backing out of its 30-year deal to run the waterfront, Art Deco park, setting off a legal battle that critics fear could delay the seasonal destination’s opening this spring.Standard Amusement told Westchester County government officials last month it was opting out of running the sprawling property that boasts the historic Dragon Coaster and other rides because the county — which owns the park — dragged its feet to finish construction projects baked into their contract.“In November, we alerted the county that we were terminating our agreement, based on their complete failure to meet the construction obligations under the contract,” Standard wrote in a letter obtained by The Post.“By its own admission, the county has missed the contractual deadlines, despite our consistent flexibility and patience, including a blanket one-year extension on all their project deadlines.”Standard said it officially terminated the contract as of Jan.21, but informed Westchester it was ready to move on last year.

The company said it’s entitled to $57 million as part of opting out, including repayment of about $44 million it invested, in addition to interest fees, according to The Journal News, which first reported the breakup.Former County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, had struck the deal with Standard after an extended bidding process but before they ever took over management of the park a new administration came into power in 2018 and things quickly grew contentious.County Executive George Latimer, a Democrat and Astorino’s successor, tried to back out of the deal in a lengthy and costly court battle.Acting County Executive Ken Jenkins, who took over after Latimer left for Congress at the start of 2025, said the plan is f...