Water Park Proposed at Historic Playland Amusement Park

A small water park would be added to a landmarked amusement park in Rye under a newly announced proposal.

Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino said Thursday he has chosen a new operator for county-owned Playland.

He says the operator, Sustainable Playland Inc., would also add ball fields, a field house and a "Great Lawn" for concerts and graduations.

Astorino says the operator would also invest $34 million in capital improvements to the existing park.

County spokesman Ned McCormack says the park's historic rides would remain, including the wooden "Dragon" roller coaster, a carousel and Kiddyland rides.

Astorino has complained that Playland is losing millions of dollars.

Playland opened in 1928 and was featured in the 1988 Tom Hanks film "Big."