To much fanfare (and press coverage), Mayor Bloomberg announced yesterday that a new amusement park would open this summer at Coney Island, initially with 19 rides. To be called “Luna Park at Coney Island” in reference to the world-famous attraction that flourished at the site in the first half of the twentieth century, the new park will be run by Central Amusement International and open by Memorial Day. Coney Island remains one of the most known and beloved neighborhoods around the world, but for decades its famed amusement park has dwindled to just a tiny fraction of what it once was, the mayor said. This summer, we’re reversing that trend. The park will be located on three parcels of land along the boardwalk that were purchased by the city as part of a $95.6 million, 6.9-acre deal with Thor Equities. The launch of Luna Park is supposed to be accompanied by commencement of plans to create a mix of residential and retail development close by.
Coney Island Rides Again [NY Times]
Coney Island to Add New Amusement Park [NY Post]
Coney Island Will Get Two New Amusement Parks [NY Daily News]
It May Actually Be a Summer of Fun at Coney [Brooklyn Paper]
New Amusement Rides Coming to Coney [Brooklyn Eagle]
New Rides Set For Coney Island This Spring [NY1]