They came along for the rides!
Thrill seekers trekked to Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park on March 25 for the seasonal opening and blessing of the rides. Borough President Adams and Councilman Mark Treyger (D–Coney Island) got some help cutting the ribbon to open the park from the Cyclones’ mascot, Sandy the Seagull, before New Yorkers from near and far hopped on the Wonder Wheel and the Cyclone for the inaugural rides of the year — and unparalleled views from the top of the 98-year-old Ferris wheel.
“We come here every year for the opening,” said Juraj Kapko, who traveled all the way to Coney Island from the distant borough of Queens with his wife, Carmen, and their tykes, Ebba and Emilia. “The kids enjoyed it. They were really excited to go up on the Wonder Wheel and see the view from up above.”
The lucky first 98 visitors to the Ferris wheel got a free ride to celebrate its anniversary, and 300 kids from the Salt and Sea Mission — a local charity that runs food pantries and soup kitchens for the homeless, abuse victims, and others — got free admission to the park’s 21 other rides all day long.
Treyger said he anticipates another fun-filled summer in the neighborhood, and that he was glad to help kick off the festivities.
“I am proud to help welcome another amazing season of thrills in Coney Island,” he said. “Millions will come from every corner of our city and far beyond to enjoy the growing list of family-friendly activities, eats, and experiences. I look forward to a fun and safe Coney Island season.”
Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park will be open on weekends and school holidays in April and May, and then seven days a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
