Astroland

. It is located at 1000 Surf Avenue (Corner of West 10th Street) on the boardwalk. It ceased operations on September 7th, 2008.

History

Astroland first billed itself as a 'space-age' theme park when it opened in 1962, although in later years a visit was more like stepping into the past than the future." [ [http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgresults.cfm?destination=new_york_city@111&cur_section=sig&property_id=48286 Fodor's Astroland entry] ] Some of the later rides were similar to regular carnival rides, but others offer a kitsch experience that was lacking in modern amusement parks.

In 1955, Dewey Albert and his friends Nathan Handwerker, Herman Rapps, Sidney Robbins and Paul Yampo formed a corporation called Coney Island Enterprises. In 1957, Rapps and Alpert announced they would build Wonderland. Through a series of acquisitions, together they built what is today known as Astroland. On July 12, 1975 an early morning fire wiped out much of the park but they were able to rebuild. [ [http://www.westland.net/coneyisland/articles/astroland.htm Coney Island - Astroland] ]

On November 28, 2006 Astroland was sold by the Albert Family for US $30 million to Thor Equities, which plans to redevelop the area as a $1.5 billion year-round resort. Under the agreement, the Alberts would continue to operate the Cyclone, the famous wooden roller coaster. At the time, the Alberts hoped to relocate attractions like the water flume and the Astrotower to another part of the neighborhood. [http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2006-11-28-coney-island_x.htm Coney Island's Astroland Amusement Park sold to developer] ]

After the sale, opposition to the relocation plan emerged. Efforts supporting the extension of Astroland's existence for the 2008 summer season were established. [ [http://www.saveastroland.com Local petition to extend Astroland through the summer 2008 season] ] Astroland celebrated the 45th anniversary of its opening on April 1, 2007.

It was announced October 24, 2007 that Carol Albert and Thor had reached a deal, and that Astroland would re-open March 16, 2008. However, after a few months when no agreement between the two parties could be reached, Astroland closed on September 7, 2008. [ [http://www.nypost.com/seven/10252007/news/regionalnews/astroland_gets_to_ride_again.htm Astroland Gets To Ride Again] ] [ [http://www.ireport.com/ir-topic-stories.jspa?topicId=22385 Coney Island amusement park closing: News & Videos about Coney Island amusement park closing - iReport.com ] ]

Local legend has it that restaurateur Charles Feltman invented the hot dog in the area of Astroland in 1874. [http://www.astroland.com Astroland Rides and Attractions] ]

Rides and attractions

Adult rides

*Power Surge (until mid-2006)
*Top Spin
*Cyclone Roller Coaster
*Water Flume
*Pirate Ship
*Bumper Cars
*Dante's Inferno
*Break Dance
*Astrotower [http://www.astroland.com Astroland Rides and Attractions] ]

Kiddie rides

*Pirate Jet
*Tea Cups
*Froghopper
*Motorcycle Jump
*Super
*Himalaya
*Fire Engines
*Big Apple Coaster
*Mini Trucks
*Convoy
*Popeye Boats
*Circuit 2000
*Carousel
*Tilt-A-Whirl
*Scrambler
*Dune Buggy Jump [http://www.astroland.com Astroland Rides and Attractions] ]

Other attractions

*More than ten games of skill
*Three arcades
*Two Coney Island-style restaurants

References

External links

* [http://www.astroland.com/ Astroland]
* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/astroland/ Flickr Photos, Astroland]
* [http://www.citimaps.com/brooklyn/astroland.html Citimaps, Astroland]
* [http://www.slide.com/r/srRUKNtN0T_8NppCoLVtpgxbEoWciDOX?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original SlideShow, Astroland]