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EDC, NYC Parks announce major expansion for Coney Island’s Luna Park, including water slide

August 23, 2018 By Jaime DeJesus Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Renderings of some of the new additions coming to Coney Island's Luna Park. Renderings courtesy of the NYCEDC
Renderings of some of the new additions coming to Coney Island's Luna Park. Renderings courtesy of the NYCEDC
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The magic of Coney Island’s Luna Park is about to grow.

Yesterday, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and NYC Parks announced that they are adding to the already popular Lunar Park, which returned to Coney Island in 2010.

The plans will expand the park by 50 percent, according to the agencies, and will include the addition of a giant log flume, a ropes course, a public plaza and an arcade.

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Transforming the 150,000 square feet of city-owned land will be Central Amusement International (CAI).

President and CEO of the EDC James Patchett is excited about the new attractions.

“Coney Island is both a cherished summertime destination and an important economic engine for South Brooklyn,” he said. “With these exciting new attractions and our ongoing investments in housing and infrastructure, Coney Island’s future has never looked brighter.”

“The Coney Island Amusement District is a nostalgic New York City destination, and we are proud to be a part of improving and evolving it for future generations to enjoy,” added NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver. “We are confident that the new developments to Luna Park will add even more fun for the thousands of families that flock to Coney Island each year.”

The planned log flume ride and the ropes course, which will be in a new adventure park, promise great views of the area and will be built on currently unused land next to the Thunderbolt roller-coaster.

CAI also plans to add public seating, landscaping and a new public plaza with an open-air style eatery and entertainment area with games for all ages.

“It is an honor to work with the City of New York to continue the expansion of Luna Park and the revitalization of the historic Coney Island amusement district,” said Alessandro Zamperla, president of Luna Park. “Our shared commitment to the constant growth and development of Coney Island has allowed us to burnish this iconic place. We are expanding Luna Park by 50 percent, adding new attractions and entertainment while also providing spaces where guests surrounded by timeless excitement can eat, play, rest, and escape the mundane. A spectacular new portal with thousands of glorious lights will welcome guests as they arrive from the subway, asserting Luna Park as one of the nation’s most dynamic amusement destinations that must be visited by New Yorkers and tourists.”

A water slide is just one of the new additions coming to Luna Park. Rendering courtesy of the NYCEDC

Councilmember Mark Treyger is also pleased with the plans.

“Recapturing the best of Coney Island’s past is a big part of the future at the People’s Playground,” he said. “This continues the revitalization of the amusement district, offering exciting new activities and attractions for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.”

According to EDC, they and NYC Parks released a request for proposals back in 2017 to develop and operate five parcels of land totaling 150,000 square feet between Surf Avenue and the boardwalk, and between West 10th and West 16th streets.

“This investment continues the city’s commitment to preserving the amusement district and creation of additional parkland, both enhancing the community and visitors’ experience of Coney Island, and generating vigorous economic activity in the neighborhood,” EDC wrote in a statement.

 


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