Visionary ideas – that’s what County Executive Robert P. Astorino said he is seeking from developers who are interested in presenting a plan for the future of Playland Park.   

 Astorino today released the RFP (Request for Proposals) that invites formal, detailed submissions for the use of the Long Island Sound property in the City of Rye, which includes an amusement park, boardwalk, beach, pool, and ice casino.

"Playland is a special place and a magnificent park that will always be part of the fabric of Westchester," said Astorino. "But the time has come to reinvent Playland for the 21st century. The financial burden that the current operation has placed on taxpayers – annual, multi-million dollar losses, with no end in sight – is just no longer sustainable. Bold action is required to save Playland and this RFP is looking for ideas to position one of the greatest open spaces anywhere to thrive in the marketplace of today and the future."

The RFP covers approximately 100 acres of the larger 280-acre Playland property. A critical feature is that its focus goes beyond the historic amusement park. Scenic vistas and a beautiful beach on  Long Island Sound, an Olympic-size swimming pool, an extensive waterfront boardwalk, fishing piers, boating lake, dining and picnic areas, a proposed children’s museum, and an indoor ice skating rink, as well as the amusement park, can all be utilized, or not, in the plans submitted by developers. The only thing outside the bounds of the RFP is the Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary.

"Previous attempts to solve Playland’s problems have faltered because their scope was limited to the amusement park," Astorino said. "This RFP is essentially a blank sheet of paper that is looking for entrepreneurial imagination to unlock the full recreational and entertainment value of the property at large."

The RFP is posted online at www.westchestergov.com/rfp or you may download and view the document. Formal proposals are due Feb. 10, 2011; the county estimates it would spend about three months reviewing these proposals. Under the RFP process, the county is not obligated to accept any of the plans proposed. Throughout the process, the public will have numerous opportunities to ask questions and give comments.

On Oct. 13, the county will hold an informational meeting at Playland for those interested in possibly submitting a proposal. Tours will also be available by appointment with the Parks Department. Ideas may include keeping all or part of the amusement park or proposing an entirely new use for the property. However, the RFP does prohibit residential use.

Since 1928, the focal point of the property has been the amusement park, which today has 50 major rides and attractions and covers about 30 acres. The prototype of today’s modern theme parks, Playland was the country’s first totally planned amusement park. Seven of its rides and several of its art deco buildings are designated as National Historic Landmarks.

Westchester County currently owns and operates the park – one of only a handful of governmental bodies to be in the amusement park business. With attendance steadily dropping over the past five years -- from 1 million in 2005 to 615,000 last year -- park ownership has translated into greater taxpayer subsidies.

Westchester County is not necessarily looking to make a profit off Playland, although such an outcome would certainly be welcome. As is the case with its other parks, the county’s interest is to provide broad access to a resource that enhances the quality of life of residents. The mission, therefore, is to balance access with affordability.

"I recognize that Playland is an emotional issue for many of us in Westchester, but I also think the vast majority agree that something needs to be done if we want to be fiscally responsible," Astorino said. "This is just the beginning of what will certainly be a long process. What’s exciting is that we have a chance to invent the future."