The Westchester Brief | 06.24.26: Can the County Run Playland?

Send us Fan MailPlayland, the county-owned amusement park in Rye, opened its 98th season this spring with the historic Dragon Coaster restored. But behind the nostalgia is a real governance question for Westchester County: after the private operator Standard Amusements exited its contract in January 2025, the county is running the park directly, and last season drew just over 213,000 visitors. This episode looks at how Playland ended up back in county hands, what it costs taxpayers to run an amusement park, and why this summer's attendance is the number that decides the park's future.In This Episode:(0:00) The most fun question in county government(0:45) Playland's history and the Standard Amusements breakup(2:30) A bumpy 2025: attendance and the closed Dragon Coaster(3:30) Why a public amusement park is a financial risk(5:00) Quick hit: the 2026 SALT deduction cap jumps to $40,400Sources: Westchester County Parks (Playland 2026 season); Rye Record (county takes over Playland operations; 2025 season recap).Subscribe to our newsletter at iliveherewestchester.com.Support the showI Live Here Westchester is a production of I Live Here Media.We spotlight the voices, visionaries, and stories that make Westchester County more than just a place to live—it’s a place to belong.Have a guest suggestion or want to partner with us?Email: [email protected]: www.iliveheremedia.comFollow us on Instagram: @iliveheremediaSubscribe, rate, and share to support local storytelling.