Overview
- Westchester County issued an emergency order to bypass bidding and hire Zamperla, Inc. to inspect, repair, and maintain Rye Playland's rides ahead of the 2025 season.
- The move follows Standard Amusements' abrupt termination of its 30-year operating contract, citing alleged failures by the county to meet construction and contractual obligations, which the county denies.
- County officials accused Standard of leaving rides disassembled and failing to stock spare parts, while Standard claims it adhered to industry standards for maintenance and winterization.
- County Executive Ken Jenkins has pledged that the park will open this summer in some capacity, though no specific dates or attractions have been confirmed.
- The privatization deal with Standard Amusements, criticized for its financial burden on taxpayers, has left the county responsible for repaying up to $150 million in investments.