Standard Amusements begins second season as Playland manager

Although there was a contentious period during which Westchester County and Standard Amusements engaged in a legal battle over whether Standard would manage the county’s Playland Amusement Park, there were no signs of animosity on May 20 when a ribbon-cutting was held to mark the park’s opening for the 2023 season with Standard set for its second season at the helm. The county maintains ownership of the park.

Even the day’s drizzle mixed with heavier rain couldn’t interfere with the happy talk and fun atmosphere that predominated among the guests gathered at the park’s newly-paved entrance plaza. The former miniature golf course at the entrance has been removed along with a number of trees and the fountain has been reconstructed to be outfitted for water, music and light shows.

In 2015, while Republican Rob Astorino was serving as county executive, Standard Amusements headed by Harrison resident Nick Singer had received a contract to, at a future date, take over operation of the amusement park. In 2016, the contract was amended. The county continued to own and manage the park. In 2018, Democrat George Latimer became county executive and ordered a study of the agreement with Standard. In December of 2018, the county sent a letter to Standard Amusements notifying the company that it was in material breach of the contract and the county was terminating it effective May 28, 2019.

Standard Amusements asked a federal court to reinstate the contract. In addition, it sought legal fees and costs and any additional awards the court would determine just and proper. The lawsuit, known as an “adversary complaint,” was filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, in connection with a Chapter 11 filing. Judge Robert D. Drain handled the case at the federal courthouse in White Plains.

Standard asked that the court declare the contract was valid, that Standard performed all of its obligations under the contract and that the county either rejected or failed to respond to Standard”™s “reasonable offers” to fix the breaches alleged by the county.

As the court action progressed, Judge Drain strongly suggested that the two sides try to negotiate an agreement, which they eventually did. The new agreement for Standard to manage Playland called for the county to invest $126 million in capital projects at the park over several years and Standard to invest $35 million. It provided for the county to receive a fee of $300,000 in 2022, $400,000 in 2023 along with 5% of gross revenues above $12 million, with those figures to be adjusted annually in line with the Consumer Price Index. It made Standard responsible for all operating expenses at Playland including maintenance. If Standard missed the financial targets for four consecutive years, the county had the right to cancel the contract.

“It’s another exciting day with liquid sunshine to ensure that we’re going to have such a great day,” Westchester’s Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins told the guests gathered for the opening day ceremonies. “It’s so exciting because of the level of partnership with Standard Amusements.”

Jenkins said there now is a great opportunity to “keep moving forward. You’re going to see some things that have been invested in by both Standard Amusements and by yourselves in the County of Westchester. It’s tremendous. It looks so beautiful and I can’t just wait for us to get started for this year.”

Jeffrey Davis of Standard Amusements, who is in his first season as Playland’s park manager, told the Business Journals, “It’s been nothing but support from the county and we have a great relationship.”

As if to underscore that point, after cutting the ribbon to formally open the park for the season Davis and Jenkins walked together to the park’s Ferris wheel, got into one of the gondolas and went for a ride, getting a good view of the park from 90 feet in the air.

Parking and admission prices have been increased from where they were last year. Last season, parking was $12 on weekdays, $15 on weekends and $20 on holidays. Senior citizen parking for Westchester residents was $5. Westchester residents not going on rides could enter the park for $4.99. General admission including all rides for Westchester residents was $24.99 and $34.99 for others.

Prices shown by Playland for 2023 include parking at $20 on weekdays and weekends and $30 on holidays. General admission, which includes all rides, is $39.99 for adults and $29.99 for juniors with children under two years of age being free. A season pass is $109.99. Westchester residents receive discounts and must show proof of residency. A season pass for Westchester residents is $99.99, adult daily admission is $29.99 and junior admission is $19.99. A resident who just wants to visit the park without going on rides pays $5.99. Taxes are additional. The park offers group rates and options to come to the park for picnics.

The amusement park, which opened in 1928, features more than 40 rides and attractions. On opening day, a newer ride, the Old Motorbike Ride, was operational as were old favorites such as the Dragon Coaster, Crazy Mouse and Derby Racer steeplechase. Playland Beach will have a new 35-foot waterfront slide this season, as well as volleyball, kayaking, and paddleboarding. New Swan and Dragon Paddle boats will be sailing on Rye Lake. The park is featuring new fast food and restaurant offerings. Later this season the attractions Jack the Puppeteer and Play! Verse – An Immersive Adventure are expected to open.

Some buildings have undergone renovation and restoration including painting in keeping with original art deco designs. Additional work, such as on the colonnades that stretch along both sides of the park’s central walk leading to the music tower and stage, is planned.

“If you compare what we offer compared to the admission price somewhere else I think we’re very affordable,” Davis said. “It costs a lot to run roller coasters. It’s kind of a mix and a balance between what is reasonable and what it takes to make sure we can put on the great show and offer new products and new rides. But, we’re always going to want to be affordable to the average family.”

Davis said that the park is planning entertainment throughout the season with fireworks on major holidays.

“I think one of the things you’ll see when you come to the park is that there’s more atmospheric entertainment,” Davis said. “It’s a property we can do a lot with.”