Less than two months after a massive fire tore through the arcade section and entranceway of the popular amusement park on the Ocean City Boardwalk, Playland set is set to open this weekend.
Officials determined that the January 30th fire was caused by an electrical source. The arcade, offices, and the famous pirate ship on the roof were destroyed, but the rides were untouched.
“We anticipate about 20 rides to be open in the coming weeks,” said Brian Hartley, vice president of Playland’s Castaway Cove. “That is what we typically have open this time of year”
There will be a separate entrance to the amusement park until the demolition is complete. Visitors will be directed to enter in the middle of the block between 10th and 11th Street. A boardwalk entranceway should be built by the summer. The demolition work to remove the charred remains of the arcade and its famous pirate ship has yet to begin. “We are awaiting a demolition permit.” said Hartley. “When it does, it likely would take just a couple of weeks to remove the rubble. Our plan for this summer is to try to get decking down and people go through that same entranceway,” explained Hartley. “For this summer, there is not going to be an arcade or storefronts”, he added. “Still,we are excited to get back open and back to a little bit of normalcy,” he said. “It’s been a struggle, but we are making it through.” Hartley said he is often asked about rebuilding the iconic pirate ship at the entrance. “Yes, a bigger and better pirate ship will be back. We will be soon announcing our plans”
