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3w ago

Westchester County Takes Emergency Action to Prepare Rye Playland for 2025 Season

After the sudden exit of its private operator, the county has hired Zamperla to repair and maintain rides, aiming to open the nearly century-old park this summer.

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A view of Rye Beach and Playland in the background on a hot summer day.
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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.