Iconic Playland parks opening remains a mystery as taxpayers already on hook for $36M in management flap

It’s a mystery when the iconic Playland amusement park will open for the season – but if and when it does it may be with only limited rides and attractions.Westchester County taxpayers are already on the hook to pay as much as $36 million to the park’s former management company, Standard Amusements — as government officials had no answers for the county-owned park in 2025 except to say they “intend” to open it in some form.“Our intention is to get as much of the park open and accessible to the public as possible,” said county Legislator Catherine Parker, who lives near the waterfront park which was featured in the Tom Hanks movie “Big.”“I believe we will have at least – I don’t know if it’s going to be Kiddie Land or what it’s going to look like, I don’t know if anybody knows that right now because we’re still unwinding the whole Standard Amusements debacle.”County Executive Ken Jenkins said Wednesday night during an annual “State of the County” speech that it’s his “intention” to open iconic Playland Park for the 2025 season – but provided no details after the park’s former operator walked away from its deal to run the historic landmark in February due to alleged contractual violations by the county. “Playland is more than just a park, it’s a cherished treasure, the crown jewel of Westchester County.

A place where memories are made and community thrives,” the Democrat said as he bashed the deal signed by a former administration.Westchester has hosted a job fair in hopes of attracting staff, including lifeguards.

That means a pool and beach on the property will be made accessible, but Parker warned, “The amusement park is another story.” A county spokesperson said Thursday officials “were still assessing the situation” at the Art Deco park.“Once we have a clearer timeline and plan for the summer, we’ll announce it to the public,” the spokesperson said.The nearly 100-year-old park usually opens...