7 Shocking Facts And Must-Know Updates For Playland Park Westchester County’s 2025 Season

The Playland Park saga has taken a dramatic turn for the 2025 season, ensuring one of the nation’s most historic amusement parks will open its gates under new management. As of today, December 11, 2025, the park’s future is secured by Westchester County itself, following a contentious legal battle with its former operator, Standard Amusements. This pivotal shift promises a renewed focus on preserving the park’s iconic Art Deco architecture and its legendary attractions, all while welcoming visitors back to the shores of Long Island Sound for a season of thrills and nostalgia. The commitment from County Executive Ken Jenkins ensures that this beloved landmark remains open to the public, despite the recent operational turmoil.

The 2025 season is shaping up to be a unique period in Playland’s nearly century-long history. Visitors can expect a blend of preserved classics and newly restored features, all set against the backdrop of a significant management change that puts the park’s long-term preservation first. From potentially free entry to a renewed appreciation for its designation as a National Historic Landmark, here are the seven most crucial and surprising updates you need to know before planning your visit to Rye Playland in Westchester County.

The Dramatic Management Takeover and 2025 Season Commitment

The biggest news surrounding Playland Park for the 2025 season is the dramatic change in its operational structure. Following an arbitration panel's ruling, Westchester County has regained full control of the park after determining that Standard Amusements, the private firm operating the park for the last three years, defaulted on its agreement by refusing to operate the park for the 2025 season.

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• County Reclaims Control: The arbitration ruling effectively ended the long-running legal dispute, placing the park's operation back into the hands of Westchester County officials.
• Season Secured: Despite the legal challenges and the uncertainty that plagued the park's status, County Executive Ken Jenkins has publicly vowed that the County will ensure Playland Amusement Park opens and moves forward for the 2025 season.
• Emergency Order Issued: To expedite the opening process and ensure all operational hurdles are cleared in time, the County issued an emergency order to streamline the necessary procedures.

This commitment means that the park, an essential piece of Westchester County tourism and a cultural touchstone for the entire Tri-State area, will continue its legacy as a destination for family fun, fireworks, and beachfront entertainment.

Uncertainty and Excitement: The 2025 Opening and Admission Details

While the exact, finalized operating schedule is still being assessed by County officials, there is a mix of specific dates and exciting promotions that visitors should be aware of for the start of the season.

Fact 1: The Season Kick-Off Featured Free Entry and Rides

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In a surprising move to celebrate the new era, Playland Amusement Park kicked off its 2025 season on May 23, 2025, with an unprecedented offer: free admission, free rides, and free parking for the opening weekend event. This was a major incentive to draw crowds and signal the park's fresh start under County management.

Fact 2: Standard Admission is Expected to Offer Free Walk-In Access

Beyond the opening weekend promotion, the park's general admission structure is expected to follow a model that allows free entry to walk the park, with a separate charge for access to the rides. This structure makes Playland Beach and the boardwalk accessible to everyone, with ride passes starting at a low price point for those who want to experience the thrills.

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• Ride Passes: General day passes for rides are available, with prices starting at approximately $36.70 for dates later in the season (May 17 – August 15, 2025).
• Parking: Parking fees are typically separate, with an estimated cost of around $10 per vehicle.

The Preservation Push: Art Deco and Historic Restoration Efforts

Playland Park holds the prestigious title of being the nation's first amusement park, originally opening in 1928, and is a designated National Historic Landmark. The recent management change has renewed the county’s focus on preserving its unique character, particularly its stunning Art Deco architecture.

Fact 3: Major Architectural Restoration is Underway

The ongoing restoration efforts are a multi-year project aimed at preserving the park's historic integrity. Key projects completed or in progress for the 2024 and 2025 period include:

• Bathhouse Rehabilitation: Significant work is being done on the historic Bathhouse and the South Bathhouse storefronts, ensuring these architectural gems are structurally sound and visually stunning.
• Structural Restoration: A dedicated capital project (RP028) is focused on the structural restoration of various historic park buildings and infrastructure.
• CPAC Modernization: The park is also undergoing a modernization of its Central Park Administration Center (CPAC) and a pool renovation project, blending historic preservation with modern functionality.

These projects are crucial for maintaining the park’s National Historic Landmark status and providing a fresh, yet authentic, experience for visitors.

The Enduring Legend of the Dragon Coaster and Classic Rides

No trip to Rye Playland is complete without a ride on its most famous attraction. The park is a treasure trove of classic amusement park entities, many of which have been operating for decades.

Fact 4: The Dragon Coaster is an Official ACE Landmark

The Dragon Coaster, a wooden roller coaster that opened in 1929, is not just an old ride; it is recognized as an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark by the American Coaster Enthusiasts. This designation is reserved for rides of historic significance, underscoring its importance in amusement park history.

Fact 5: The Iconic Tunnel Feature Still Thrills

The Dragon Coaster is famous for its distinctive design, which includes an iconic chain lift hill and a tunnel that the train travels through—a feature that remains a highlight of the ride experience. The front of the train is famously adorned with a large, fire-breathing dragon head, cementing its status as the park's unofficial mascot.

Fact 6: Playland is Home to More Historic Rides

In addition to the Dragon Coaster, Playland is home to other historic rides, including the Grand Carousel and the Derby Racer, which contribute to the park's unique charm and nostalgic atmosphere. These classic attractions are a major draw for families and amusement park enthusiasts alike, making Rye Playland a pilgrimage site for lovers of vintage amusement park fun.

Playland Beach and the Future of Westchester County Parks

Playland is more than just an amusement park; it is a vital part of the Westchester County Parks system, offering extensive beach access and recreational opportunities.

Fact 7: Beach Access and Off-Season Dog Walking Continues

The park’s location on Long Island Sound means that Playland Beach is a major attraction. Even during the off-season, the area remains active, with dog walking permitted daily from dawn to dusk through early May 2025. This highlights the park's role as a year-round community resource, not just a seasonal attraction.

The successful county takeover and the renewed focus on preservation ensure that Rye Playland will not only survive but thrive. The 2025 season represents a return to its roots, emphasizing its unique history, Art Deco splendor, and classic amusement park thrills for generations of visitors to come.