Photo via laverrue's flickr

The city has selected a new amusement park company to operate rides in Coney Island. Following its purchase of a large chunk of Coney Island land, the city has tapped Zamperla USA to kick off its controversial plan to revitalize the neighborhood by bringing new amusements to the area between KeySpan Park and the former Astroland amusement park.

According to NY1, Zamperla USA — the American branch of the Italian Zamperla Rides company — beat out other operators like Ripley's Believe It Or Not and Steel Pier to win the bid. Contending companies had the choice to submit proposals for developing one of the three parcels of land between the ballpark and the now-shuttered Astroland site. The station reports that Zamperla plans to develop all three plots. A spokeswoman for Zamperla declined to comment, but sources close to the deal told Gothamist that the city and the amusement operator have not yet signed a lease, though they are "closing in on an agreement."

On its website, Zamperla says it offers a "complete range of rides, from kiddie rides to the most sophisticated roller coasters. Zamperla even has experienced project engineers who can assist with the park design, themeing and engineering." The city wants to have rides in operation by this summer.