By Sarah Fertsch
Staff Writer
Locals and tourists alike will soon be riding high thanks to the approval by the Zoning Board of a plan to build a landmark roller coaster at Playland’s Castaway Cove.
The board affirmed that no height variance is needed for the construction of a third story; so not only can the new roller coaster be built, Playland can also finish reconstruction of the iconic pirate ship and parrot which will accompany the latest attraction.
Shore Local News spoke with Brian Hartley, senior vice president at Playland, who said the process of adding the coaster is still in its infancy. He hopes to connect with manufacturers at a national amusement conference in November. From there, the park can start applying concepts, and creating a theme toward building a sturdy, smooth structure.
“What we know right now is that it’s going to be half dark-ride, and it will definitely be a family coaster,” said Hartley. “We are aiming for the coaster to be open and rideable by summer 2025.”
Not only will Playland construct a rooftop coaster, they will rebuild the massive pirate ship and arcade along the Boardwalk. The amusement park experienced a devastating fire in January 2021, which burned down the iconic pirate ship, the indoor arcade, and office areas used by park employees.
Scott Simpson, the president of Playland, and Hartley are determined to resurrect the pirate ship because of its history and legacy along the Ocean City Boardwalk.
Construction has been at a standstill for several weeks, but can now continue. The stamp of approval comes after two long months in limbo, which left Playland without answers or direction. Hartley is thrilled that things are back on track.
Bob Greene, the original engineer who designed and built the ship, will have a voice in the rebuild. Playland will also be working with a New Orleans company that specializes in Mardi Gras floats, trusting that the new ship will be more elaborate and ornate, thanks to modern building methods.
The third floor, approved by the Zoning Board April 26, will have 1,074 square feet of space and will be 46 feet above the Boardwalk. It will include a vestibule, stairs, an elevator and a roof deck. A control room for the roller coaster will also be included.
Hartley said Playland is focused on getting the arcade structure up and operational, mainly the exterior.
“The site walls really affect our neighboring businesses, and we want to protect the interior from inclement weather,” he said. “Once the exterior is finished (aiming for mid-summer), the team will develop a sleek, modern interior with high-end, classic arcade attractions.
“Many of the games have already been purchased and sit in our storage, and almost all of the games are the same as what we offered before the fire,” he said.
The historic shooting gallery, made up of antique treasures and life-sized gorillas and skeleton musicians, will reopen at Playland in a new way. Hartley said the gallery will include up-to-date gaming tech and 21st-century sensibilities.
Playland hopes to reopen the arcade by Labor Day weekend, 2023, but construction has stalled on several occasions. Hartley said his contractors get tied up with other work, or experience holdups with inventory and supply chains.
“We have lots of parents and grandparents at Playland reminiscing about their childhood thrills here, while taking the next generation to the park,” said Hartley. “We are bringing back that classic pirate ship with a fun, modern twist.”
Zoning Board member Brian Logue is enthused about the project.
“It sounds like the future ride that is coming is a wow ride,” Logue said.
