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Luna Park’s Pinwheels Go Up on Coney Island Boardwalk

Posted in amusement park, News, Photo of the Day, Photography, tagged Astro Tower, Astrotower, Boardwalk, Bruce Handy, lighting, Luna Park, Pinwheel Gate on March 11, 2013| 4 Comments »

Luna Park Boardwalk Gate Under Construction. March 10, 2013. Photo © Bruce Handy via Coney Island Photo Diary

On Sunday afternoon, Coney Island photographer Bruce Handy captured this gorgeous image of the last pinwheel and crescent moon of Luna Park’s new Boardwalk gate being lifted into place. The gate takes its inspiration from the one on Surf Avenue, which was built three years ago and pays homage to the original Luna Park’s 1903 gate. The smaller, more delicate boardwalk entryway boasts the additional flourish of golden pennants and promises a brighter, more dazzling summer in Coney Island.

Do you notice anything else different in the photo below?

Luna Park Boardwalk Gate Under Construction. March 10, 2013. Photo © Bruce Handy via Coney Island Photo Diary

The cars will be put back up on Deno’s Wonder Wheel in plenty of time for March 24th’s Opening Day — the cars are taken down during the off-season for maintenance. What’s different in the photo is the appearance of the Astro Tower. Earlier this month, the cab was removed from the Tower, which has been standing but not operating since 2008. Word on the Boardwalk is the former ride will be painted and illuminated. Ever since Luna Park was built on the Astroland site in April 2010, there’s been talk of Zamperla re-purposing the Tower as signage or possibly restoring it as a ride. Since nothing was done, the 270-foot observation tower got rusty and began to look like a neglected orphan amid the glittering new rides on the skyline. Last September, after the Tower was relit for the first time since Astroland closed, Luna Park confirmed via their Facebook page that it “will provide Coney Island with a spectacular, night-time extravaganza,” but will not be reactivated as a ride.

UPDATE 3:00 pm

We’d heard rumors that the Astro Tower’s cab, also known as “The Bagel in Sky,” had been damaged by Sandy. Luna Park just emailed us the following update: “Coney Island’s Astrotower suffered structural damage during Super Storm Sandy. The restoration process of the Tower is underway, with affected parts, including the gondola, having been removed to ensure its stability and safety. Part of the tower’s rehabilitation will include a new, energy-efficient lighting package that will be programmable to match other lighting installations at Luna Park.”

Photo of the Day: Lettering Saved from Demolished Arcade

Posted in Artifacts, Photo of the Day, Photography, tagged arcade, Charles Denson, Coney Island History Project, demolition, Playland, signage on February 14, 2013| 3 Comments »

Remaining Playland Letters Saved by the Coney Island History Project. February 14, 2013. Photo © Coney Island History Project

The demolition of Coney Island’s Playland Arcade got underway in October, but was interrupted by Sandy. The job was finished today. It’s gone!

Charles Denson of the Coney Island History Project managed to save the remaining letters on the facade– L, N and D– and several of the whimsical yet deteriorating murals. “Our previous efforts at preservation were hampered by trespassers, vandals, black mold, the untimely death of Playland’s caretaker, Andy Badalamenti, as well as Superstorm Sandy,” according to a photo album on the History Project’s Facebook page. The artifacts will be exhibited this season.

An arcade existed in the Playland building from the 1930s until 1981, operated by four sets of brothers over a fifty year period. In 1981 the arcade machines were auctioned and the business closed, leaving Playland vacant for the past thirty years.

Photo of the Day: Coney Island Boardwalk Closed for Nemo

Posted in News, Photo of the Day, Photography, tagged Boardwalk, Brooklyn, Charles Denson, Coney Island, Nemo, red flag, snow, snowstorm on February 9, 2013| Leave a Comment »

On Friday afternoon, New York City’s Parks Department welcomed Snowstorm Nemo to Coney Island by closing the Boardwalk. Charles Denson, who was at work rebuilding the Coney Island History Project‘s exhibit center damaged by Superstorm Sandy, stepped out onto West 12th Street and saw these red flags on the ramp. The warning was put up due to snow, wind and a possible storm surge.

Today, the flags remain though the Boardwalk is open again, with Tom’s Restaurant serving breakfast (and lunch) all day. Polar Bear Diane Shumate posted on Facebook that snow accumulation in Coney Island was approximately 6 inches and the Bears were going for a snow swim.