A true sign that spring is here: Inspectors from the Department of Buildings were at Astroland Amusement Park in Coney Island yesterday, checking rides (like the Water Flume), before this weekend's opening. Opening day is April 1, and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz will be there at 11:30AM to perform the ceremonial christening with a bottle of chocolate egg cream.

Astroland is getting ready for its final season, as Thor Equities works on its Coney Island redevelopment plans. A worker gave his feelings about the closing to the AP, "They're taking all the fun out of Brooklyn. Where are all the kids going to go?"

We went to Coney Island last year on opening day and will likely be there again. Do you have plans to head over?

Photographs by Seth Wenig/AP