Playland Boardwalk Reopens Six Years After Hurricane Sandy

The northern portion of Playland's waterfront boardwalk has reopened, nearly six years after it was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy.

The newly renovated North Boardwalk at Playland Amusement Park.
Photo Credit: *Provided*

A view of Playland's North Boardwalk after it was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
Photo Credit: *Provided*

Elected officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday to mark the completion of a major renovation at Rye Playland Amusement Park.
Photo Credit: *Provided*

Jon Craig

07/06/2018 5:00 a.m.

Tuesday's reopening, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, was timely as the county-owned parked celebrated Independence Day with fireworks on Tuesday night, July 3 and Wednesday, July 4.

The cost of the project was $4.6 million for design and construction.

The 700-foot North Boardwalk restores scenic views of Long Island Sound to visitors at Playland Park in Rye, after being closed for construction since 2012.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer led Tuesday afternoon's ribbon-cutting ceremony, near the North Boardwalk entrance, just past the Playland Lake Boathouse and Music Tower.

Latimer was joined by County Parks Commissioner Kathy O’Connor, Commissioner of the Department of Public Works Hugh Greechan and Deputy Parks Commissioner Peter Tartaglia.

“I am pleased to welcome Westchester residents back to this very special section of Playland Park, which had been closed after Superstorm Sandy demolished the existing boardwalk in 2012,” Latimer said. “It’s been a long time coming, but the way this new Boardwalk is built, it will be here for a very, very long time to come.”

Playland’s shoreline sustained severe damage during Hurricane Sandy on Oct. 29, 2012, with winds and tidal surges completely demolishing and washing away the North Boardwalk.

The replaced boardwalk is built with 500-year storm resistant materials.

Like Playland’s South Boardwalk, which was repaired and reopened in 2013, the new boardwalk’s decking is made of Brazilian hardwood known as Ipe, which can last more than 30 years without warping or splintering.

New wrought-iron fences on both the water’s edge and the park side of the walkway have been installed, along with brand-new, historically correct benches and lighting to match Playland's Art Deco architecture.

U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer said: "The opening of Playland Park in Rye signifies the end of a drawn out and difficult chapter and the beginning of a bright new one."

U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey of Harrison said: “I’m pleased to have helped secure federal funding for this replacement boardwalk in Playland Park, which will be better-suited to withstand future storms.”

More details are available at www.playlandpark.org

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