Scott Simpson Playlands Castaway Cove, which has the distinction of being Ocean City, New Jersey’s oldest amusement park, has been catering to the entertainment needs of families for more than half a century. At the beginning of the spring of 2012, the proprietor, Scott Simpson, made the initial contact with the galvanizer.
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What happened Castaway Cove?
People on the Boardwalk are able to observe the ongoing construction from behind a plexiglass barrier for their own protection. By BILL BARLOW Strollers came to a halt in front of a section of plexiglass on a weekday morning during the spring to observe workmen working to fix the entrance to Playland’s Castaway Cove.
The sun was shining brightly. A fire that broke out early on a Saturday morning in January at 1020 Boardwalk caused widespread media coverage when it damaged the building’s front entrance. The proprietor, Scott Simpson, promised that the amusement park will be operational by summer almost before the coals had even cooled down.
The fire destroyed the Boardwalk arcade and offices in addition to other businesses, but it was able to save the majority of the rides that were located behind the stores. According to Brian Hartley, who is the vice president of Playland, the rides have already begun operating for the weekends.
- According to him, 25 of the 32 rides are already ready to go, and by the time Memorial Day weekend rolls around, operations should be very near to being at full capacity.
- When the fire broke out, a section of the balloon ride that was being stored in the structure was damaged and is currently awaiting repair.
The demolition has reached its conclusion. The personnel are now prepared to begin the process of rebuilding. “We are getting closer to our goal. We are awaiting approval from the city, “Hartley stated. It is not going to be possible to try to restore the arcade before the summer is over.
- According to Hartley, the amount of disruption caused by the construction during the busiest season would be unacceptable.
- Instead, the concrete platform that provides entrance to the amusement park will be finished by the employees, and then in the fall, construction work will begin on the arcade.
- “When you come through, it should appear the same,” Hartley added.
The fire caused the renowned pirate ship that was located in Playland’s Castaway Cove and overlooking the entrance to the Boardwalk to be destroyed; however, it will be restored. Before being dismantled and relocated to its current location on the Boardwalk in 1959, the structure in question served as an element of the New York World’s Fair in 1939.
- There are plans to construct a new structure that is quite similar to the existing one, and it will have an arcade, a Dairy Queen, and a leased food service portion on the Boardwalk, with offices located on the upper floors.
- Additionally, there are plans to increase the amount of storage space located above, which will result in the vaulted ceiling of the arcade being removed.
Those who have been concerned may rest easy knowing that Playland intends to recreate the famous pirate ship, complete with the colossal pirate and parrot that stand guard above the Boardwalk entrance. Hartley stated that the original designs were in their possession.
In the 1990s, a massive pirate ship was constructed to the attraction. Others who have lived in or visited the area for a significant amount of time may recall that in the 1970s, there was a haunted house that tourists could go through, and inside, dressed mummies would terrify people who were walking on the Boardwalk below.
A alternative entry may be found a short distance south of the arcade location for the time being. However, there is a plexiglass pirate at the entry who is ready to pose for photographs and a bright banner that is positioned between the businesses. Hartley described it as being “a bit less flamboyant.” This past spring, there has been a lot of interest in the progress of the work, which spurred the installation of the plexiglass in the protective plywood construction barrier.
- During this time, the work will continue.
- “Ever since we erected the wall, there appears to be an endless stream of spectators,” remarked Hartley.
- In order to complete the reconstruction job, heavy equipment is being utilized.
- Hartley began his career at Playland when he was just 14 years old, at a time when children of that age were allowed to operate some non-mechanical attractions.
Hartley has been employed there for the last 30 years. According to Hartley, Playland has already employed enough personnel for the entire year, despite the fact that other companies along the coast are reportedly facing a scarcity of labor for the summer of 2021.
- “Our workforce is complete.
- I am aware that a good number of other people aren’t.
- I am aware that many others are having a hard time locating suitable companions “he stated.
- It has been determined that the fire in January was unintentional.
- According to Hartley, there is currently no evidence to suggest a reason.
There is a chance that it will never happen at all. He stated that the probe is still ongoing. The data on the hard drives had to be reconstructed, after which the teams painstakingly removed everything from the site, cataloged everything, and then rebuilt the hard drives.
“It was dead winter and nearly everything was shut off,” recalled Hartley, despite the fact that the arcade utilized a significant amount of power during the warmer months. He was unable to provide an estimate of how much the damage would cost. According to him, the evaluation by the insurance company is still going on.
He described it as a “very long procedure,” and he was right. The blaze, which took place on a bright and early Saturday morning, was not responsible for any injuries that were recorded. Videos showing dense smoke billowing over the boardwalk and across the beach were soon shared on various news websites and social media platforms.
- Ocean City called for assistance from fire departments and police departments located around the region in order to contain the blaze and ensure the safety of the masses who had come to see it.
- Before the end of the day, the proprietors of Playland acknowledged their gratitude on the establishment’s Facebook page.
“During this trying time, we would want to express our gratitude to everyone who has kept our family and faithful visitors in their thoughts and prayers. We would like to express our gratitude to all of the first responders for the hard work that they have done and pray that they remain safe during the events of today “Please read the official statement from Facebook. 
Did Castaway Cove rebuild?
Playland’s Castaway Cove has requested that the city dismantle a ramp that it has just reconstructed so that construction vehicles and equipment may access the site. (Brian Hartley kindly provided this photograph.) By MADDY VITALE Since the fire that occurred in January 2021 and destroyed the arcade and front door of Playland’s Castaway Cove in Ocean City, the establishment has been undergoing the process of reconstruction.
- An region on the south side of the amusement park’s site at 10th Street and the Boardwalk has been utilized by construction cranes to make steel and concrete deliveries.
- This area is located on the south side of the park.
- However, this week, ahead of the popular Memorial Day Weekend, municipal authorities moved forward with reassembling a ramp in the region, thus preventing access for heavy equipment to make deliveries to Playland’s.
This work was done in preparation for the holiday weekend. The vice president of the amusement park, Brian Hartley, stated that as a result of the outcome, the park may have to dismantle rides and may even have to close early this summer in order to finish the work on the site in time for the summer of 2023.
- “The options are either to have the ramp taken down so that we can continue to have access or to close four or five rides, the merry-go-round, Double Shot and Buccaneer, definitely,” Hartley said in an interview with OCNJDaily.com on Tuesday.
- “The choices are either to have the ramp taken down so that we can continue to have access or to close four or five rides.” “We want access to the site for the heavy equipment, otherwise we might perhaps have to close early this season and hope to have the repairs done for next summer,” the company said.
This week, the city began putting in the new ramp at the intersection of 10th Street and the Boardwalk on the south side of the intersection. (Brian Hartley kindly provided this photograph.) In a statement, the Business Administrator for the city of Ocean City, George Savastano, said that “the city is going to work with the property owner to remedy this situation,” which is something that “the city has always done with everyone.” According to what he had to say, the city had been “very helpful, in acknowledgement of the situation.” “It should not come as a surprise to learn that a vital entry point to the Boardwalk will be undergoing restoration work in advance of the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.
Since we are heading into what may be an incredibly busy holiday weekend, it is reasonable to anticipate this, and it is also appropriate that it be in place. The reality of the matter is that this access benefits the well-being and protection of the public the best.” Savastano went on to say in the statement that the city is optimistic about the possibility of handling the situation in a reasonable manner.
He reiterating that the professional staff of the city is “confident that restoration of this access is acceptable and right in advance of the upcoming holiday,” he said that the city should move through with the decision. In continuation, he stated, “In relation to Playland’s ongoing attempts to restore their damaged property, the administration will continue to work out logistics with the property owner in a manner that is both rational and professional.” According to Hartley, both he and Scott Simpson, the owner of Playland, tried to have a conversation with the city about the issue in an effort to acquire extra time to receive the delivery.
He made the observation that “all of a sudden there is a sense of urgency to put the ramp back together in time for the Memorial Day Weekend.” Both Hartley and Simpson expressed their optimism that the situation would be resolved soon so that they may keep moving on with the reconstruction of the well-known amusement park.
“Simply put, the ramp is a staircase leading up to the boardwalk. We suggested removing the ramp and allowing people to use the stairway instead of climbing it “he stated. It is possible to access the north side of 10th Street via a ramp. He also mentioned that Playland had volunteered to pay for the installation of a sidewalk, curb cuts, and curbing on the south side of the property so that residents would not only be able to stroll there but also get their deliveries.
- On Tuesday, City Solicitor Dorothy McCrosson called Hartley and asked for a delivery timetable for building supplies to be delivered to the Playland site.
- Hartley was given the call.
- Hartley also mentioned that a few members of the City Council approached him and listened to his concerns after hearing them.
McCrosson stated in a statement that she did ask Hartley to “provide a schedule for deliveries, as well as a construction plan for whatever they propose, and an explanation for the request to continue to utilize the city right-of-way, rather than utilizing the rear entrance to the Boardwalk for the delivery of steel and blockwork via crane prior to the July 1st end of construction activities.” Hartley responded to McCrosson’s request by saying that they would “provide a schedule for deliveries, as well as However, Hartley stated that it is impossible to establish a delivery timetable because to the COVID-19 epidemic, which is creating delays in deliveries in addition to problems with the supply chain.
- At the moment, the passageway that connects Jilly’s T-Shirt Factory and Jilly’s Candy Factory serves as both an entry and an exit that is often utilized by visitors to Playland.
- “We were hoping to try to acquire some type of temporary boardwalk for this summer,” said Hartley, so that it wouldn’t be as busy as it was last year.
We have no access to the ocean. After an unintentional fire broke out early in the morning on January 30, 2021, Playland began the process of rebuilding. The fire destroyed the arcade, the offices, and the front door that overlooked the Boardwalk. Additionally, its distinctive pirate ship model was destroyed in the fire. 
What street is Playland in Ocean City?
Ocean Playland Amusement Park was finished being built in 1965. It was located on the bayside of 65th Street and was built on a big lot shaped like a peninsula that extended out into the bay. The total cost of the project was greater than $2 million. The park was just 860 feet long and 375 feet broad, and it was located off of Coastal Highway behind a parking lot that could accommodate 1,000 vehicles.
The amusement park was established by real estate agent Jim Caine, together with Oscar Carey and George Chandler, and it held its grand opening on June 18, 1965. The purpose of the park was to provide a variety of entertainment options for visitors lodging in the uptown area of Ocean City. The park was an instant hit with the residents of north Ocean City, which, at the time, had a very sparse population and was very undeveloped.
Playland, in contrast to many of its rivals, provided a multitude of one-of-a-kind attractions, such as a fully operational monorail, a full wooden roller coaster known as the Hurricane, a miniature golf course, and more than 25 different types of amusement attractions that were suitable for guests of all ages.
- Ghost Ship, which was constructed by Bill Tracy from Universal Design Limited, was Ocean Playland’s most notable attraction as far as dark rides were concerned.
- This ride was developed by Universal Design Limited.
- Granville Trimper had the foresight to place a large bid and ensure that this attraction, unlike the others in Ocean City, would continue to operate well into the future.
Despite the fact that the park shut down in 1981. Granville was able to acquire the ride’s components, including the vehicles and track, in preparation for a later enlargement of The Haunted House at Trimper’s Rides and Amusements on the boardwalk.
How much is the wristband at Ocean City?
One SpeedWorld 2 Hour with Cyclone wristband, one single entrance to the waterpark, and one Day Rides pass at the amusement park are all included in The Big Ticket at the discounted price of $89,99. Does not need usage on the same day as purchase.
Did Castaway Cove burn down?
Playland’s Castaway Cove Review | Ocean City, New Jersey Boardwalk Amusement Park
According to the findings released by investigators on Monday, the big fire that occurred one month ago at a well-known amusement park on the Jersey Shore was caused by accident. On January 30, a fire with four alarms broke out at Playland’s Castaway Cove on the Ocean City Boardwalk and completely gutted the structure, which contained an arcade as well as offices.
In addition, the fire was responsible for the destruction of a juice bar, a Dairy Queen, and a firm called Hamburger Construction Company. There was nobody inside at the time of the incident, and there were no reports of any injuries. After further investigation, including by the ATF and the Ocean City Fire Department, it was established that the event had been an unintentional fire caused by an unidentified electrical source located at the front of the structure.
During the course of the fire, there was no damage to the portion of the amusement park that was outside, which included the ride attractions. The proprietor of Playland’s Castaway Cove has expressed confidence that he would be able to reopen the amusement park in the spring despite the ongoing reconstruction of the facility.
Is Ocean City NJ a dry town?
The fact that Ocean City is a ‘dry’ town, which means that no alcohol of any type is sold inside its borders, contributes to the city’s reputation as a family-friendly destination.
Is Playland boardwalk open?
The Boardwalk that may be found in Playland Open every day if the weather cooperates.
Who owns Gillian’s Funland?
Histories: David began his career as a musician by playing in the orchestra at C. Elwood Carpenter’s Dance Club, also known as The Casino, which was located on the old Boardwalk, directly above the Moorlyn Theater. In 1917, he moved his career to the Hippodrome pier, where he joined Robin Robinson’s Orchestra as a member of the band.
- There was a movie theater, vaudeville, dance, and amusements for children all housed within the Hippodrome.
- The Hippodrome was completely wiped down by a fire in October of 1927, and it wasn’t until 1928 that the charred promenade was finally reconstructed.
- At the intersection of Plymouth Place and the Boardwalk, David Gillian established a fun deck in 1930.
A carousel and a ferris wheel served as the event’s primary points of interest. Following its closure in 1987, the Fun Deck was redeveloped into what is currently known as OC Waterpark, a water park. David Gillian, who turned 100 years old in 1990, celebrated the occasion by presenting the Ocean City Historical Museum with a horse from the town’s carousel.
- David Gillian passed away in March of 1993, when he was 102 years old.
- David Gillian took his retirement in 1957, and his sons Bob and Roy took over the business from 1957 to 1977.
- Wonderland Pier was established in 1965 by Roy, who then left the family company to launch it at the intersection of Sixth Street and the Boardwalk.
Ten years before, Stainton’s Playland had been destroyed by fire at the same location. In 1985, Roy was elected to the position of mayor of Ocean City, and he left active politics in 1989. In the year 1994, Roy was elected to the presidency of the IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions).
In 2010, his son Jay Gillian was elected to the position of mayor of Ocean City. Gillian’s Funland of Sea Isle City came into being as a result of the Gillian family’s decision to broaden the scope of their operation outside Ocean City. Placed on the JFK Boulevard. Although Gillian’s was in the process of being foreclosed on in January 2021, the Gillian family indicated that they will continue to be open for business for the 2021 season.
They made the announcement on March 30 that they would be working together with the proprietors of the Icona Hotel to improve the park. They introduced a Huss Frisbee for the 2020 season, and for the 2021 season, they are going to add a Super Fun Slide in addition to a Larson/ARM Super Loop.
Who owns Wonderland Pier in New Jersey?
Histories: David began his career as a musician by playing in the orchestra at C. Elwood Carpenter’s Dance Club, also known as The Casino, which was located on the old Boardwalk, directly above the Moorlyn Theater. In 1917, he moved his career to the Hippodrome pier, where he joined Robin Robinson’s Orchestra as a member of the band.
- There was a movie theater, vaudeville, dance, and amusements for children all housed within the Hippodrome.
- The Hippodrome was completely wiped down by a fire in October of 1927, and it wasn’t until 1928 that the charred promenade was finally reconstructed.
- At the intersection of Plymouth Place and the Boardwalk, David Gillian established a fun deck in 1930.
A carousel and a ferris wheel served as the event’s primary points of interest. Following its closure in 1987, the Fun Deck was redeveloped into what is currently known as OC Waterpark, a water park. David Gillian, who turned 100 years old in 1990, celebrated the occasion by presenting the Ocean City Historical Museum with a horse from the town’s carousel.
- David Gillian passed away in March of 1993, when he was 102 years old.
- David Gillian took his retirement in 1957, and his sons Bob and Roy took over the business from 1957 to 1977.
- Wonderland Pier was established in 1965 by Roy, who then left the family company to launch it at the intersection of Sixth Street and the Boardwalk.
Ten years before, Stainton’s Playland had been destroyed by fire at the same location. In 1985, Roy was elected to the position of mayor of Ocean City, and he left active politics in 1989. In the year 1994, Roy was elected to the presidency of the IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions).
In 2010, his son Jay Gillian was elected to the position of mayor of Ocean City. Gillian’s Funland of Sea Isle City came into being as a result of the Gillian family’s decision to broaden the scope of their operation outside Ocean City. Placed on the JFK Boulevard. Although Gillian’s was in the process of being foreclosed on in January 2021, the Gillian family indicated that they will continue to be open for business for the 2021 season.
They made the announcement on March 30 that they would be working together with the proprietors of the Icona Hotel to improve the park. They introduced a Huss Frisbee for the 2020 season, and for the 2021 season, they are going to add a Super Fun Slide in addition to a Larson/ARM Super Loop.
What is there to do at Playland?
Explore the many attractions, including go karts, mini golf, and amusement rides, that Playland has to offer. – View Our Rides
What is the history of Ocean City’s Wonderland Pier?
Gillian’s Wonderland Pier| Location | 6th Street Ocean City, New Jersey , United States |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 39°16′39″N 74°34′00″W / 39.277398°N 74.566757°W Coordinates : 39°16′39″N 74°34′00″W / 39.277398°N 74.566757°W |
| Status | Operating |
| Opened | 1929 |
| Owner | Jay Gillian |
| Slogan | Amusements with the family in Mind! |
| Operating season | April to December |
| Attractions | |
| Total | 32 |
| Roller coasters | 2 |
| Water rides | 1 (Canyon Falls Log Flume) |
| Website | gillians . com |
David Gillian, who arrived in Ocean City for the first time in 1914, established the famous amusement park that is now known as Gillian’s Wonderland Pier in 1929. Its address is on the coastal boardwalk that runs along the New Jersey coastline.
