Coney Had One Of Its Best Summers In History

The Brooklyn Daily Eagle is reporting that this past summer, Coney Island hosted more visitors than it had in the past 40 years. Altogether over 640,000 individuals took more than 2 million rides between Luna Park and Scream Zone – its two main amusement areas.

2011 marked the second year for Luna Park, which has 19 rides in all. It was the Scream Zone’s first year.

The Scream Zone, which has four rides, introduced New York City’s first full-sized roller coasters since the opening of the world-famous Cyclone in 1927.

From Brooklyn Eagle:

“Through the city’s Coney Island Revitalization Plan, we’ve brought Coney back as an amusement destination for visitors from around the city and world,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “The rides are bigger and better than ever, and that means more jobs for New Yorkers and more economic activity for New York City.”

“With an increase in attendance of nearly 200,000 over last year and visitors taking some 2 million rides, this summer at Coney Island was a spectacular success,” said Borough President Marty Markowitz. “Not only will 2011 go down as one of the best seasons on record, but hundreds of new jobs were created — half filled by residents from the immediate neighborhoods.”

“Despite a rainy summer and Hurricane Irene, Coney Island recorded its highest number of attendees within the past 40 years, further underscoring the success of the City Council’s efforts to revitalize our most historic amusement park,” said Councilman Dominic (sic) Recchia Jr., who represents the Coney Island area.

Though the newer rides attracted more people to Southern Brooklyn’s seaside playground, one ride – called the Sling Shot – was decidedly more costly than older, more iconic rides such as the Wonder Wheel and Cyclone.

While $6 bought the majestic views and thrills of the Wonder Wheel’s swinging cars and $8 got you a one way ticket on the world famous, adrenaline-inducing Cyclone, the new 90 mph Sling Shot ride cost a mean $20.

The city’s Economic Development Corp issued a request for proposals (RFP) yesterday for new shops, games and amusements for a section of Jones Walk, between Surf Avenue and Deno’s Wonderwheel Park. An illuminated entrance at Surf Avenue is also in the works.

In 2009, the city purchased three pieces of land, equal to around 7 acres, which, after signing a ten year lease with Central Amusement International, became Luna Park and the Scream Zone.

City Councilman Domenic Recchia represents Council District 47, which includes Coney Island, Brighton Beach, Gravesend, as well as part of Bensonhurst. He also serves as Chairman of the City Council’s Finance Committee