Under construction: New Luna Park, Coney Island’s soon-to-be famous gate. May 22, 2010. Photo © Tricia Vita/me-myself-i
Construction crews in Coney Island’s new Luna Park continue to work round the clock this weekend. On Saturday, the most exciting photo opportunity was on Surf Avenue at the park’s magnificent gate. Workers from Zamperla and Paul Signs were putting four giant pinwheel and crescent moons into place. Shouts in Italian and Brooklynese rang in the air!
New Luna Park, Coney Island: Pinwheel # 4 being put into place on gate. May 22, 2010. Photo © Tricia Vita/me-myself-i
It was an all day job. As each pinwheel was hoisted aloft by crane, word would spread of the photo op. Photographers flocked. We ran out from our booth to witness this historic occasion. At 6:30 pm, when the fourth pinwheel was in place, we stood with two other photographers in the middle of Surf Avenue getting shots of the entire gate. The rest of the gate is expected to go up today!
New Luna Park, Coney Island: Pinwheel # 4 being put into place on gate. May 22, 2010. Photo © Tricia Vita/me-myself-i
Here is Zamperla’s rendering of the new park’s Surf Avenue entrance. The design pays homage to the original Luna Park’s 1903 gate...
Rendering of Gate for the New Luna Park
Coney Island’s new Luna Park is set to open Memorial Day Weekend. The ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for Friday morning in advance of the grand opening on May 29th. In the photo below, the globes are ready to be set atop the pillars.
New Luna Park, Coney Island: Crescent & Globes. May 22, 2010. Photo © Tricia Vita/me-myself-i
Related posts on ATZ…
May 8, 2010: Photo of the Day: Iconic Luna Park Logo Rises on Coney Island’s Horizon
April 30, 2010: Can You Identify This Mystery Object at Coney Island’s Luna Park?
April 28, 2010: New Coney Island Coaster Pays Homage to Luna Park’s 1906 Tickler
January 26, 2010: Scoop: Zamperla’s $24M Coney Island Park to be Named Luna Park!
Amusing the Zillion 
I was wrapped up in my painting issues when I looked out the window of the Q as it passed the site. My heart stopped when I saw the gates. The next morning walking to the studio, I saw them looking east with the Cyclone behind, They work visually with the Cyclone, with the scale of CI park. I feel like someone gave me this new gift to look at.
New, improved view from your studio window = new tondo series?
I got to see them in person for the first time tonight, lit up. They were truly amazing.
Barry, what a gorgeous photo, Surf Ave is looking lovely
just posted your pic on today’s post about opening
Many thanks!