RYE, NY (May 25, 2025) — Playland Amusement Park kicked off its 2025 season with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and Coaster the Dragon, the park’s fire-breathing mascot. The event, hosted by Jimmy Fink of 107.1 The Peak, featured the Rivertowns Young Marines, Westchester County Youth Poet Laureate Harmony Hopwood, and the Rye High School Drumline.
For Memorial Day Weekend, from May 24 through May 26, Playland offers free admission, rides, and parking from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily. Jenkins highlighted the effort behind the opening, stating, “It took hustle. It took late nights, early mornings, and a team of County employees who refused to give anything less than 100 percent.” He credited Public Works, Parks, contractors, vendors, the Westchester Children’s Museum, the New York State Department of Labor, and the Governor’s Office for their contributions, noting the $150 million investment in the park’s future.
Of the park’s 41 rides, eight in Kiddyland and five major attractions, including two newer rides, are operational this weekend. The iconic Dragon Coaster and Derby Racer remain closed, as their section of the park is not yet open. The third new ride, Jack the Puppeteer, installed by Standard Amusements, is out of service due to ongoing mechanical issues awaiting manufacturer repairs.
Entertainment includes Coaster the Dragon greeting guests, an interactive DJ, a steel drum player, strolling jugglers, and a dedicated DJ at the Beach and Pool Area. The Westchester Children’s Museum will also be open. The Arcade Game Room and Basketball Game area near the Double Shot Ride offer free play.
Food options feature Graziella’s Italian dishes, Westchester Burger, Lulu’s Mexican fare, Walter’s Hot Dogs, Mr. Softee ice cream, and the Tiki Beach Pier Restaurant, accessible via a new mobile app for beachside treats.
Congressman George Latimer, a former county executive, reflected on Playland’s history: “In the 1920s, they had a vision … to create a planned amusement park open to the average person.” County Legislator Katherine Parker added, “This is your park … it will be better than ever.”
Commissioner Kathy O’Connor praised the “herculean effort” of county departments, noting, “Every division of the department helped.” Harmony Hopwood’s poem captured the park’s magic: “Here in this place … we all become children engulfed by a wonder that could swallow us whole.”
Watch the ceremony at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpHLBn57BbY.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.