The People’s Playground is officially open.
Luna Park in Coney Island welcomed guests back for the 2025 season with a festive two-day celebration over the weekend. The park opened its gates at 11 a.m. on Saturday, drawing thrill-seekers and families alike.
A centerpiece of the opening day was the traditional egg cream christening of the Coney Island Cyclone, celebrating the historic wooden coaster’s 98th year. The first 98 people in line for the Cyclone rode for free and received a complimentary egg cream treat, courtesy of Luna Park.
“Today marks more than the reopening of Luna Park in Coney Island for the 2025 season, it’s a celebration of the preservation of the historic amusement district that has been the ‘People’s Playground’ for many, many years — since the 19th century,” said Alessandro Zamperla, president and CEO of Central Amusement International Inc., which oversees Luna Park. “It’s a celebration of a cultural icon.”
Zampela shouted out the Oscar-winning film Anora, which filmed in Coney Island. “You may think differently, but for me, the most compelling scenes were the ones with Luna Park, the Thunderbolt, and the Cyclone in the background,” he said.
“Today is a celebration of accessibility and inclusivity, because anyone — regardless of their socioeconomic class and background — can enjoy Luna Park with its open gates,” Zamperla said.
The amusement aficionado also used his opening day speech to take aim at the proposal for a Coney Island casino, likening the plan to an “attack” on the neighborhood’s unique character and cultural significance.
“Our community is overwhelmingly against the proposed development and we stand with them,” Zamperla said.
Luna Park also launched its annual charitable initiative, offering discounted All Day Extraordinary Wristbands. A portion of proceeds from wristband sales was donated to local charities, including the Coney Island Sharks, Operation H.O.O.D., Children of Promise, Urban Neighborhood Services and the Coney Island branch of the Brooklyn Public Library.
“When we come together and care for our community, we create spaces where children can thrive and play,” says Derick Scott, Director and Founder of Operation H.O.O.D. “Being part of Luna Park’s opening day celebration is a wonderful moment for us, and this generous donation is a reminder of the impact we can make when we support one another. Imagine if we all cared.”
A number of local officials attended the event, including Comptroller Brad Lander, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Council Member Justin Brannan, and Assembly Member Alec Brook-Krasny, all of whom lauded the day’s outstanding weather.
“Is there a better day in all of Brooklyn than [Luna Park] opening day?” asked Reynoso, noting that while some towns mark the sight of gophers as a sign of spring, for Kings County, it’s Coney Island opening day.
Luna Park will be open every Saturday and Sunday until Memorial Day. After that, the park will be open daily through the summer.
Additional reporting by Erica Price
