Thrill-seekers who can’t wait to risk life and limb on the Cyclone at Luna Park’s opening day on March 20 — or any time this summer for that matter — will be riding on a newly rehabilitated icon. The wooden roller coaster got a fresh coat of red and white paint in preparation for this summer and it looks better than ever, Coney Island’s unofficial mayor said.
“In my 37 years in Coney I’ve never seen it looking this good,” said entertainment impresario Dick Zigun. “I’m thrilled about it.”
The Cyclone is a city landmark, so the Landmarks Commission had to certify that all the rehabilitation work was in line with the Cyclone’s original 1927 design. The park’s owners have also replaced sections of track on the nearly half-mile long roller coaster during the off-seasons over the last five or so years.
That means riders this year will get the best ride on the Cyclone since the its first brave riders strapped in to its cars almost 90 years ago. But worry not — just because the Cyclone looks brand new, it still feels as raw and white-knuckle as ever, Zigun said, even if it looks a little less dangerous than before.
“People always joked that part of its fun was that it was rickety and ‘dangerous’ but that’s just not been true,” he said. “I think a lot of that false reputation was based on peeling paint and superficial rust stains.”
Borough President Adams, Councilman Mark Treyger (D–Coney Island), Assemblywoman Pam Harris (D–Coney Island) and state Senator Diane Savino (D–Staten Island) will attend the opening ceremony at Luna Park at 11:30 am on March 20. The first 150 folks who show up will get free egg creams courtesy of Brooklyn Seltzer Boys.
Luna Park season opening ceremony (1000 Surf Ave. between W. 10th and W. Eighth streets in Coney Island). March 20, 11:30 am. Free.
