Astroland Coney Island
Astroland Coney Island – Tourist Attractions in New York City
Coney Island Astroland in NYC, New York, USA
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Astroland Coney Island
Coney Island | Astroland Amusement Park | The New York Aquarium | Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park | Coney Island Beach | Keyspan Park
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.
History
Astroland “first billed itself as a ‘space-age’ theme park. Today a visit is more like stepping into the past than the future.” Some of the current rides are similar to regular carnival rides, but others offer a kitsche 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. 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.
However, some oppositon to this plan has emerged. Efforts supporting the extension of Astroland’s existence for the 2008 summer season have been established. 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. It was announced on May 20, 2008 that Astroland will be closing at the end of the summer 2008.
Schedule
Opens Sunday March 16th
Astroland is open weekends, March 16th to June 8th and daily June 13th to September 1st
Astroland will be Open the Week of April 21st to 25th (weather permitting)
Starting May 2nd Kiddie Park will open at 12 Noon. (weather permitting)
Open Everyday June 15th to Sept. 3rd (Weather Permitting)
Weekends Only: Sept 8th to date to be determined (weekends only)
Direction
By Subway
Take D or N to Stilwell Ave
make left on Surf Ave.
Q or F to West 8th Street.
1000 Surf Ave between West 10th Street and Jones Walk. (Next to Cyclone Roller Coaster and NY aquarium)
By Bus
Take B36, B64, B68, B74 or B82.
By Car
From Manhattan: Take the West Side Highway to the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, Take the BQE West to Belt Parkway East, get off at exit 7B, Ocean Parkway. Go right on Ocean Parkway 4 blocks. When Ocean Parkway ends and becomes Surf Avenue, Astroland will be on your left at the corner of West 10th Street.