Luna Park operator bids to “reinvent” Westchester’s Rye Playland

The company that recently opened Coney Island’s new Luna Park and Scream Zone is one of 12 firms bidding to become the new operator of the Westchester County-owned Rye Playland, the New York Post reported. Zamperla subsidiary Central Amusement International’s $30 million proposal would include many popular Luna Park rides such as the Air Race, the Electro Spin and aerial-swinging Lynn’s Trapeze. Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino began soliciting proposals to redevelop the 100-acre amusement park last year as it was losing $ 4 million annually. Other proposals include bringing outdoor ball fields and a massive “air dome” for sports and entertainment events to Playland. Officials said that Central Amusement’s proposal is the most similar to the current operation of the park. Astorino has tasked an advisory committee with reviewing proposals and making recommendations. Committee member Douglas French, the mayor of Rye, said his town and much of Westchester is undecided over whether continuing to use the land as an amusement park is the best option. [Post]