Rockaways' Playland

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Rockaways' Playland was an amusement park located in Rockaway Beach in the Borough of Queens, New York City, at Beach 98 Street between Rockaway Beach Boulevard and the beachfront. It was opened in 1902 by William Wainwright and was closed permanently in 1985.

Originally extending to the boardwalk adjoining the beachfront, Playland's area was greatly truncated in the late-1930s by the construction of the Shore Front Parkway at the behest of Robert Moses.

Playland's roller coaster, known as the "Atom Smasher", was prominently featured in the movie This is Cinerama.

A housing development now occupies Playland's site.

Five pages of photos and memorabilia from Rockways' Playland and Kiddieland. http://www.farrockaway.com/carol/morpPlayland1.html