Hurricane Sandy, the massive storm that slammed into the East Coast of the United States on October 29 caused major damage at least four New Jersey amusement parks.
Read the reflections of park operators in New Jersey, New York and Conneticut here.
Funtown Amusement Pier in Seaside Park was devastated as a 75 x 35ft (23 x 11m) portion of the pier was washed away. Six rides fell into the Atlantic Ocean, including a Schwarzkopf looping coaster, a bungee tower, go-kart track, Wisdom Tornado and Dartron Hang Glider. A building housing arcade games was also lost.
In nearby Seaside Heights, a 70ft (21-m) section of Casino Pier was also torn apart, launching several rides into the surf. Lost were the Star Jet rollercoaster by Miler, Stillwalk Manor dark ride, Reverchon log flume and Centrifuge building containing an Eli Bridge Scrambler.
Fantasy Island Amusement Park on Long Beach Island in Beach Haven, was severely flooded, with all of their 19 rides under water and the park covered with sand. All the rides survived, however, and will be ready for 2013.
Keensburg Amusement Park in Keensburg endured a tidal surge that inundated their arcade building and Chance carousel.
Other North American parks experiencing major damage include Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park at Coney Island, New York, and Playland in Rye, New York. Both suffered flooding and portions of their nearby boardwalks are missing.
Updates can be found on the following Facebook pages: Funtown Pier, Casino Pier. Park World wishes all the park concerned well with the clean up that lies ahead, and sincere condolences for the damage incurred.
Pictured below: The waters start closing in Casino Pier in this picture taken before the storm hit Top right: Funtown Pier in happier times
