Modest crowds endured the cold and rainy weather to enjoy the grand opening of Rye Playland for the 2026 season. The park enjoyed perfect weather for its pre-season weekend but Mother Nature had other plans for the unveiling of the Dragon Coaster and the park’s formal opening on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
“We know the park has been through some challenges through recent years, but today is about moving forward,” said Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, referencing the park’s time under Standard Amusements, as he welcomed the gathered crowd to Rye Playland’s grand opening on Saturday. “It’s about bringing Playland back to life.”
The Dragon Coaster
The big reveal on Saturday was scheduled to be the Dragon Coaster, the famed wooden coaster that was closed all of 2025. County and park officials, local electeds, and local VIPs took turns at the microphone to recall memories and congratulate each other for bringing back the iconic Dragon Coaster.
“I have vibrant childhood memories of Playland and memories of this great historic Dragon Coaster,” said Robin Latimer, who runs the Friends of Playland and, with her husband, Congressman George Latimer, lives adjacent to the park.
We want our children and grandchildren to make some memories this year that we had years ago, and that this Dragon Coaster, the great symbol and main feature of this park, now welcomes a new generation of kids and teens and adults.”
About 200 Feet and Ride was Over
After rounds of VIP comments from the lectern, officials piled on to the Dragon Coaster for the first ride with Coaster the Dragon cheering them on.
Cameras rolling. The all clear was given. The coaster began to roll.
It was not meant to be. The roller coaster, after traveling on the track for about 200 ft, came to a halt. Officials said a safety sensor was set off by the poor weather.
Watch our video playlist from the grand opening:
