Some Coney Island Rides Pack It Up...For Good

While the future of Coney Island is still up in the air, some rides are already closing for good. The Post reports that the Spider and Zipper were packed up for the last time in their Coney Island location. Without an extension of their leases for 2008 from Thor Equities, the new owners of the land, workers began dismantling the two rides yesterday. The rides were sold by their owner and are destined for warmer pastures in Honduras. The owner of the Spider and Zipper was told before the season that their lease would not be renewed.

Naturally, the news that the owner of the Spider and Zipper didn't get a lease renewal for next season has other ride owners concerned. One owner told The Post, "I think people are in denial about what we're facing for next year." Thor Equities, which has a development $1.5 billion plan in place for Astroland and the surrounding areas, still doesn't have approval from the city. It was thought that Astroland, which the Spider and Zipper are not part of, would get a chance to stay open for 2008, but those plans are also in question. Even before the 2007 season started, amusements like the batting cages and go-kart were closed.

Astroland is still open on weekends from now until mid-October, so head down if you want to get what could be your last trip ever.

Photo of the Zipper by urch on flickr

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By tien mao in News on September 5, 2007 11:41 AM

Comments [rss]

guest

sign the online petition to save Coney at

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/167257276

they have more than 3,000 signatures and comments(great read, too)

please also sign the petition to give Astroland a one-year lease http://www.saveastroland.org/

dadoc

Oh, gee.

Leases not renewed, Astroland in trouble, smaller operators closing down.

But with less and less reasons to go there, Coney has the latest multi-million$ station in all the system.

Thor will obviously try to hold out to be the "saviour" of the area. There will be continued delays, as attrition allows for the deterioration of Coney. Go back to Kane, the early history, the politics even before the consolidation of NYC.

Moses trashed it with the projects. Trump (the elder) tried to trash it. Coney has a history. A very bizarre and interesting history. But instead of the current BS, how about imploding the projects, ousting the Russian Mafia from Brighton Beach, preserve some history, and create a multi-use environment?

Never happen. Examine the history (multiple sources) and you can tell where it's gonna go.

Just glad I was there for last night of Steeplechase as a kid.

Geo. C. Tilyou, missing your spirit.

Dadoc

guest

If you want to stop more rides from leaving Coney (think Dante's Inferno, Astrotower, Top Spins etc.) come to the ASTROLAND -1 MORE Year! DEMONSTRATION on Sunday, 9/9. Begins at 12 noon. Meet on Surf Ave in front of the park- rain or shine.

More info on the bbs at www.coneyisland.com

zodak

MarygraceNYC: Counting Crows??! are you kidding me? you fail!

guest

The following statement is NOT TRUE. At this point Astroland closes September 9th for good.

Astroland is still open on weekends from now until mid-October, so head down if you want to get what could be your last trip ever.

guest

I heart the Zipper. It has always been one of my favorite amusement rides. I will miss it.

jtg

Boo Hoo. The zipper is a damn torture machine.

MarygraceNYC

Counting Crows.....

Sad. Another Icon of NYC gone!! I wonder what old things will be left for my neice to connect with? It just breaks my heart.

Reality Czech

Pave paradise and put a parking lot already!

guest

YES! A VICTORY FOR LUXURY HOUSING!

guest

I can't believe the batting cages and go-karts were the first to go. I was there on Saturday and, after the Cyclone and Wonder Wheel, there really isn't anything else worth paying for. Luckily, the line at Totonno's was only 10 minutes.