Astroland

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Astroland
Astroland

Astroland is a 3.1 acre amusement park in Coney Island first opened in 1962. It is located at 1000 Surf Avenue (Corner of West 10th Street) on the boardwalk.

Contents

[edit] History

Astroland "first billed itself as a 'space-age' theme park. Today a visit is more like stepping into the past than the future."[1] Some of the current rides are similar to regular carnival rides, but others offer a kitsch experience that is lacking in modern amusement parks.

In 1955, Dewey Albert and his friends Nathan Handwerker, Herman Rapps, Sidney Robbins and Paul Yampo formed a corporation called Coney Island Enterprises. In 1957, Rapps and Alpert announced they would build Wonderland. Through a series of acquisitions, together they built what is today known as Astroland. On July 12, 1975 an early morning fire wiped out much of the park but they were able to rebuild.[2]

On November 28, 2006 Astroland was sold by the Albert Family for US $30 million to Thor Equities, which plans to redevelop the area as a $1.5 billion year-round resort. Under the agreement, the Alberts would continue to operate the Cyclone, the famous wooden roller coaster. In addition, the Alberts hoped to relocate attractions like the water flume and the Astrotower to another part of the neighborhood.[3]

However, some oppositon to this plan has emerged. Efforts supporting the extension of Astroland's existence for the 2008 summer season have been established.[4] Astroland celebrated the 45th anniversary of its opening on April 1, 2007.

It was announced October 24, 2007 that Carol Albert and Thor had reached a deal and Astroland will open March 16, 2008.[5]

It was announced on May 20, 2008 that Astroland will be closing at the end of the summer 2008.[6]

[edit] Rides and attractions

Dante's Inferno
Dante's Inferno
World-famous Cyclone roller coaster.
World-famous Cyclone roller coaster.

[edit] Adult rides

[7]

[edit] Kiddie rides

  • Pirate Jet
  • Tea Cups
  • Froghopper
  • Motorcycle Jump
  • Super Swing
  • Himalaya
  • Fire Engines
  • Big Apple Coaster
  • Mini Trucks
  • Convoy
  • Popeye Boats
  • Circuit 2000
  • Carousel
  • Tilt-A-Whirl
  • Scrambler
  • Dune Buggy Jump[7]

[edit] Other attractions

  • More than ten games of skill
  • Three arcades
  • Two Coney Island-style restaurants[7]

[edit] Trivia

  • Local legend has it that restaurateur Charles Feltman invented the hot dog there in 1874.[3]
  • Photographs of Astroland feature prominently on the cover and liner art of Swing Out Sister's 1997 album "Shapes and Patterns."
  • The "Reclassified" episode of New Amsterdam was filmed in part at Astroland and includes a scene with the characters briefly discussing the upcoming redevelopment.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Fodor's Astroland entry
  2. ^ Coney Island - Astroland
  3. ^ a b Coney Island's Astroland Amusement Park sold to developer
  4. ^ Local petition to extend Astroland through the summer 2008 season
  5. ^ Astroland Gets To Ride Again
  6. ^ Coney Island amusement park closing: News & Videos about Coney Island amusement park closing - iReport.com
  7. ^ a b c Astroland Rides and Attractions

[edit] External links