Astorino Signs Two Playland Deals

RYE, NY-At a press conference staged at Rye Playland's restored boardwalk on Tuesday, Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino signed an operating agreement for the amusement park and a long-term lease with the Westchester Children's Museum.

Under its operating agreement with Playland's proposed future operator, Strategic Playland Inc. will reposition the 100-year-old park facility as a year-round destination. Westchester County will retain ownership of the storied property.

The operating agreement is geared at protecting Westchester taxpayers who've been saddled in recent years with Playland's mounting debt and annual operating losses caused by declining attendance, county officials stated. The agreement calls for SPI to invest $34 million of private capital to improve the park's rides and physical facilities, and pay the county an annual fee that will pay off Playland's more than $30-million debt.

"Since 1928, Playland has been part of the identity and fabric of Westchester County," said Astorino. "Through our new public-private partnership with Sustainable Playland and the Westchester Children's Museum, we are reinventing Playland with a vision that builds on tradition by keeping what we love, such as Kiddyland and the historic rides, replaces tax dollars with private capital and adds new attractions and experiences for visitors to enjoy on a year round basis. This is a winning formula for saving Playland today and for future generations."

Astorino is hopeful that all necessary approvals can be granted by the Westchester County Board of Legislators in short order. However, a lawsuit has been filed in an attempt to block the deal with Sustainable Playland by Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Kenneth Jenkins.

Sustainable Playland has 30 days to submit a Playland Improvement Plan (PIP) to Astorino, consisting of the material changes the group proposes to make when the park comes under its management. After the county executive reviews it, it will go to the Board of Legislators for approval. If the BOL does not approve the plan by December 31, 2013, Sustainable Playland has the right to withdraw from the agreement.

Westchester Children's Museum's new home will total nearly 22,000 square feet in the historic north bathhouse located on Playland's boardwalk. Renovation work will begin soon on the bathhouse. The museum is in the midst of a $10-million fundraising effort for its Playland location and hopes to open the facility in two years. The lease with the county has a 10-year term.

“The museum will be an economic driver for the county and the anchor for the redevelopment of Playland Park,” says Corinne Zola, president of the museum's board of directors. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with the county in bringing a vibrant children's museum to this great location.”