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The board evaluated the top four proposals for the reinvention of Playland this week and is expected to receive more information from Sustainable Playland Inc., the developer endorsed by County Executive Rob Astorino in the fall.
“We have already generated a lot of questions and discussion about the proposals for Playland, which will serve as a good framework for our analysis of each presentation,” Legislator Catherine Borgia (D-Ossining), chair of the legislature's Government Operations Committee, said in a news release. “Now, we have to boil it all down to a committee consensus on the pros and cons of each proposal, and make a decision that will be right for Westchester.”
The board is focusing on the economic, recreational and environmental impact each vision of the park’s future will have on all of Westchester.
The first proposal, by Sustainable Playland, is for a $34 million project. Main institutions of the historic amusement park would remain, including the Dragon Coaster, boardwalk and Kiddyland. New elements would be added including an “Aqua Zone” mini-water park and beach attractions, outdoor ball fields and an outdoor field house, renovations to the indoor ice rink and a new outdoor ice rink for the winter, new restaurants, enhanced access to the Edith Read Wildlife Sanctuary, an indoor multiuse facility for rental, and a Great Lawn with views of the Long Island Sound.
Under the plan, general admission to Playland and the Great Lawn would be free. Attractions throughout the park would be grouped into zones like amusement, water, beach and fields and would be pay-as-you-go.
The second proposal, by Standard Amusements LLC, is to create a $25 million New Playland. The park would include a face-lift consistent with its National Historic Landmark status, namely improved food operations, new games to cultivate intergenerational shared experiences, restored and added rides plus water-themed attractions and more live entertainment. In addition, the proposal includes four new sports fields and a community lawn free for use.
The third proposal by Central Amusements International calls for a capital investment of $26.4 million. The plan includes revamping of rides, new rides, an interactive water playground, multilevel adventure-style mini golf, a children’s entertainment center to complement the children’s museum and a summer camp. The focus would be on preservation of historic rides, restoration of historic structures and infrastructure improvements.
The last proposal is from The Paidia Co., a private Louisiana-based company that operates amusement parks. Paidia would work with Legoland as a branding partner. Legoland is owned by Merlin Entertainments. Its proposal calls for a $150 million investment – with $100 million for construction and improvements.
The Board of Legislators' Government Operations Committee is scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Michaelian Office Building, 148 Martine Ave., Eighth Floor, in White Plains.
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