Revenue and attendance at the iconic Rye Playland park have increased significantly over last year according to a year-end report submitted this week to the Westchester County Board of Legislators.
According to the report, attendance this year increased approximately 20 percent, from 390,069 in 2013 to 467,948 in 2014—a number that was taken before the park’s scheduled October 2014 events. Additionally, the park reported an increase of approximately 24 percent in gross revenue over last year, from $7,068,481 in 2013 to $8,750,455 in 2014.
“The great news about the wonderful season at Playland this year shows that there is still a lot of life and excitement left in this amusement park yet,” said Labor, Parks, Planning & Housing Committee Chair Pete Harckham (D-North Salem). “The park continues to serve as a top destination for residents and their families. That’s why it is so important that the park’s revitalization plans move forward right away, and that a partner be brought on board before the next season begins.”
The park’s bounce back comes amid Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino’s continuing efforts to increase the park’s year-round viability as a destination for visitors from Westchester County and the surrounding area. Earlier this year Astorino announced the hiring of Dan Biederman, a leader in privately funded urban and public space management—famous for his restoration of Bryant Park in New York City—to give a review on Playland and how it could be made more attractive to potential visitors all year long.
