Rye Playland Boardwalk Reopens Ahead Of Schedule
RYE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- More than six months after Superstorm Sandy, the famed boardwalk at Rye Playland opened Friday ahead of schedule and under budget, Westchester County officials said.
Superstorm Sandy ripped parts of Rye Playland from shore, sending the famed boardwalk floating eerily in the Long Island Sound, with benches and lampposts still attached.
"Hurricane Sandy came here and wrecked it," Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino said. "Wrecked the boardwalk, she wrecked the Ice Casino. She wreaked havoc here, but we're rebuilding."
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Crews had to completely rebuild a major section of the boardwalk from the Pier Restaurant & Tiki Bar to the miniature golf course.
The boardwalk has been replaced with more durable dark Brazilian hardwood.
"You don't get splinters on this wood," Astorino said. "This wood doesn't bend. This wood will last 35 years. So when I'm 81, I'm coming back to make sure of that."
The boardwalk opened to the public Friday and the amusement park will welcome visitors Saturday.
The landmark skating complex called the Ice Casino -- where the New York Rangers used to practice -- and sections of the boardwalk at the north end of the park will remain shut down.
Rye Playland has cost Westchester County taxpayers millions to keep open. With lingering storm damage from Sandy, the price tag this year could be even higher.
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