(PHOTO: The first ride at Playland's new Dragonator ride.)
Playland opened its new Dragonator ride on Tuesday, the first new ride in the park for ten plus years. "I never gave up on Playland. We never gave up on Playland," said Latimer when introducing the new ride.
“Dragonator” holds 24 riders and is designed with a back restraint which leaves both arms and legs free to move as riders are spun around and travel along a “U” shaped track. The ride is part roller coaster and part spinning ride.
(PHOTO: Rye guy and County Exec George Latimer gives Playland's Coaster mascot a fist bump at the Dragonator ride opening.)
Rye resident and Westchester County Board of Legislators Majority Leader Catherine Parker said: “It is so wonderful to see so many Westchester residents enjoy the park that is the jewel of our parks system. I am so excited for the ride opening today, I can’t wait to get on, and I hope all my fellow elected officials here join me!”
Zamperla, the ride manufacturer, describes the ride as “running on an approximately 92 m. long track reaching a maximum speed of 70Km/h and drawing different trajectories at any time. From a top height of 15mt., the vehicle starts its wild run along the track concave section at a variable speed of 30 to 70 Km/h. In less than a second, the vehicle reaches the top of the central hump at approximately 40 Km/h and gives passengers a strong ‘negative’ acceleration for an incredible weightless sensation.”
Watch the news conference:
