The high winds overnight into the early hours Tuesday took Rye Playland for a ride.
The winds caused significant “external damage” to the 100 foot Music Tower at Playland. County officials reported sections of stucco and underlying foam detached. The area behind the structure has been closed to cars and pedestrians as a precautionary measure until a full assessment can take place, said officials. Clean up of the area is underway.
The Music Tower was built in 1928 as part of the park’s original construction and was most recently restored nearly 20 years ago. It is a central part of the park’s Art Deco ethos and stands at the end of the park’s main promenade and above its music stage. During World War II, lights on the Musci Tower were kept off but the park still operated at night.
Access to Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary remains available by parking in the Playland lot and walking via the boardwalk past the Ice Casino to the seaside walk and north boardwalk.
