American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) recognizes Kiddy Coaster at Playland as an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark, a designation reserved for rides of historic significance.
In 1925, Westchester County began to acquire land including two former amusement parks, Rye Beach Pleasure Park and Paradise Park, along the shores of Long Island Sound in Rye, New York. Respected amusement park planner and manager Frank W. Darling (1872-1952) was commissioned to create and develop an entirely new park named Playland. Built within the shadows of the new park's wilder and larger Frederick Church (1878-1936)-designed Airplane Coaster, a much smaller children's coaster was created. Noted amusement park developer and ride manufacturer Rudyard S. Uzzell (1874-1962) was brought in to erect the Darling-designed Kiddy Coaster for Playland.
Construction of Kiddy Coaster was completed in December 1927 and the ride opened with the park on May 26, 1928. Situated with other children's rides in Playland's Kiddyland area, Kiddy Coaster was built to encircle a new children's playground. Reaching a maximum height of 16 feet, the 485-foot long oval-shaped ride features four gentle dips, including a swooping turnaround drop. In 1953, the ride's original classic trains were replaced with two Comet Jr. coaster trains from the National Amusement Device Company of Dayton, Ohio, that continue to thrill riders today.
ACE applauds Playland for maintaining, operating and preserving Kiddy Coaster, the world's oldest wooden coaster built specifically for younger thrill seekers.
Presented by American Coaster Enthusiasts
During Kiddy Coaster's 90th anniversary season
July 28, 2018