The selection of a consortium of engineering firms responsible for overseeing a slew of capital projects at Rye Playland marks a major step forward in actualizing renovations at the outdated amusement park.
Earlier this month, following a brief request for proposals, RFP, process, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, announced that a consortium of engineering firms led by LiRo Engineers Inc. has been selected to take on various park renovations.
“Hiring this consortium is the next step towards making the new Playland a reality,” Astorino said. “The consultants will ensure this series of capital projects is streamlined and executed efficiently.”
Among the major renovations in the pipeline for the park—which hasn’t seen any significant work since the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy necessitated major repairs to Playland’s boardwalk and Ice Casino—are various improvements to rides and infrastructure, as well as the potential redevelopment of the Playland pool.
A deal struck between the management company Standard Amusements and the county in May will see the investment of $32 million from the county and $27.5 million from the company, and will run for 30 years.
Nick Singer, co-founder of Standard Amusements, lauded the county’s expediency in the RFP process, which was launched in July.
“The speed with which Westchester County completed the RFP process and selected LiRo is impressive by any measure,” Singer said.
According to a statement by the county, a construction schedule for projects at the park will be finalized by the end of September.
Currently, one major project already being mulled over by the county Board of Legislators would decide the future of Playland’s historic pool.
Legislators must decide whether to replace the pool—which continues to suffer from significant leakage—or foot the bill for costly renovations, estimated at nearly $10 million.
So far, Standard has expressed its desire to have the pool removed and to repurpose the existing site for a veranda serving light refreshments.
