Astroland Closed

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/bro ... nd_-1.html

Astroland died Sunday - a casualty of Coney Island's changing future. She was 46.
The world-famous amusement park was locked its gates around midnight - a closing time that was pushed back twice because of the huge crowds that turned out for a final romp at the gritty landmark.

There were only-in-New York thrills - and a few tears.

"This place has a lot of memories for me," said a somber Josh Rayhan, 9, before a teary farewell spin on the Tilt-a-Whirl.

Hundreds of early birds made a mad dash for rides like the Pirate Ship, Water Flume and Breakdance - all slated to be sold - as the gates of the Surf Ave. landmark opened at noon.

Astroland owner Carol Hill Albert insisted yesterday she was pulling the plug for good despite hopes of a last-minute lease agreement with Thor Equities.

The park has teetered dangerously close to shutting down ever since Thor bought the land in 2006.

Last year, Thor gave Astroland a one-year reprieve from the wrecking ball - a deal reached a week before Halloween.

Another eleventh-hour lease deal is possible, but all signs suggest that's unlikely.

"I want to make it clear that despite rumors to the contrary, there are absolutely no negotiations going on," said Albert.

"Astroland Park, after 46 years in business, will have its final closing of the park. That is final."

Her 75 full-time employees will keep their jobs through January, she said.

Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, resident Alice Lombardo lined up early with her family, planning to hit "all the rides." The 3.1-acre park and the nearby beach have played a huge role in her life, and yesterday was no different, she said.

She and her son Peter, 11, intend to frame their ticket stubs.

"My dad's ashes are on the beach," said Lombardo. "This is my family's history."

Thor Equities spokesman Stefan Friedman said yesterday new rides would be ready for action by the start of next season in Coney Island - even if the city hasn't hashed out a final plan.

"With Astroland's closure a possibility for some time, Thor Equities has been in touch with numerous amusement operators who share our vision of beginning the revitalization of Coney Island even before a rezoning is passed that would allow for a permanent year-round redevelopment," Friedman said.

Coney Island resident Anthony Messiana took a seat at the back of the Pirate Ship ride and held on tight for one last time. But when the ship plummeted for the last time, Anthony couldn't resist. He paid $5 for another ride.

"Only when something really, really bad happens, do I cry," said Anthony, 9. "When they start to tear down Astroland I'm gonna cry like crazy."

R.I.P.

[gouldy]

I heard about this while I was in New York, and went there as soon as I heard about it, but it was already too late [V] as it was closed for the week, everyone having gone back to school, so I never rode the cyclone.

I doubt they will get rid of the Cyclone, even if it is SBNO for a while.

Cyclone and Wounder Wheel are not affected and will open next season.

Cyclone is a horrible ride anyway.

but it's a classic, it may be horrible to you but it is a national treasure to some. I, myself would love to ride but it is just so damn awkward. R.I.P astroland, may you be made into useful stuff.

How is Cyclone horrible? It tosses you around a but but I thought it was really fun...airtime everywhere, good pacing, good lats, etc. I really liked the ride.

^ Yeah, I personnaly really enjoyed the ride as well.

[hyyyper]

The back seat was horrible. I can't image how rough it would've been without the padding.
I didn't ride Cyclone because it is a good coaster, I heard the stories and they turned out to be very true, but the reason I wanted to ride Cyclone is because it is 81 years old. Not your everyday coaster.

Second to last row was really smooth actually. It still tossed you around and was bumpy, but it was not painful or anything.

The back seats are all painful cuz ur over the rear axles...I rode in the very front and was sliding and flying out of my seat the entire ride and LOVED every minute of it and I thought it was smooth as glass.

You ain't kiddin when you said Astroland died.I've gone there almsot every year,since 1980 when my parents took me there first time.The first murder committed in Coney Island is when they destroyed the Thunderbolt Rollercoaster.
They took down a landmark rollercoaster and didn't care anything about it.And for what, a daum baseball field. And had the nerve to call the team,the Coney Island Cyclones.
And now,a second murder has been committed.The closing and destruction of Astroland Amusement park. And they say that a new amusement park will go up in place in about 2 years. Yeah, just like they said,the World Trade Center would be rebuilt by 2010. And it's been 7 years and just this year,they started construction there.
But Coney Island will never be the same.But at least the Cyclone will remain, along with the wonderwheel.And the reason for that is that they are both city landmarks that no developer will and can NEVER touch!!!