Here's another article about the park having healthier food choices this year.
Playland in Rye opens tomorrow with healthier food options
By LIZ ANDERSON
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original Publication: May 11, 2007)
RYE - Visitors to Playland can still scream over the dips and turns of the Dragon Coaster, get soaked on the Log Flume and take the drop on the Double Shot.
Now the effort is on to make their food choices a little less death-defying.
Westchester County officials have ordered up some subtle and not-so-subtle changes to the park's menus this season in an effort to wean customers off full-sugar soda, high-fat chips and other unhealthy snacks. The park's opening day is tomorrow.
"It's something we feel very strongly about," park manager Dan McBride said. When it comes to childhood obesity, "all the statistics show it's the fast food and what people are eating."
While there's only so much health you can imbue into a hamburger and fries, all restaurants in the park have agreed to use non-trans-fat oils in their fryers, McBride said, from Captain Hook's seafood specials to Burger King and Ranch*1 fast-food meals.
The health kick also has brought about changes in the vending machines scattered throughout the property.
Two ice cream vending machines are gone and will be replaced with machines that offer frozen treats like iced fruit bars, McBride said. Snack machines have been converted to lower-calorie and lower-fat options, such as Baked Doritos and pretzels. Soda machines will offer more diet sodas and water.
At the food stands, 32-ounce drinks have been phased out in favor of 22-ounce servings.
The nutrition initiatives drew criticism from Glenn Davis, president of FUNtastic Amusements, the park's soda-machine vendor of more than two decades. In a series of letters supplied to county lawmakers, Davis explained that he was first told he had to limit the number of full-sugar sodas he could sell, then told to sell none at all.
Davis said it was unfair to ban him from selling regular sodas when food stalls nearby had no such restrictions. He also complained that the 8-ounce size of fruit juice the county suggested as an alternative was not available from Pepsi, the vendor he has to use because of a park sponsorship deal.
McBride said the two sides reached a compromise this week that will allow Davis to stock his machines with one-third regular soda and two-thirds other options, including bottled water.
Davis did not return a call seeking comment. Officials from the park's snack machine supplier, Answer Vending of Queens, and from CulinArt, the Plainview company that manages the food stands, also could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Despite the changes, indulgences are not out of reach at Playland. Patrons can still get their ice cream fix at Carvel and Dippin' Dots stands, as well as a frozen-yogurt vendor. And fried dough is still on offer.
So, will people notice?
"In all honesty, as long as the products they're looking for are here, perhaps not," McBride said.
Ron Gazzola of Rye, a retiree who spent more than three decades working at Playland, recalled yesterday how his father would say the park needed a stand selling healthy sandwiches. But, Gazzola said, "the people who come here, they really don't want that. They're here for a good day of fun, and a hot dog is enough for them."
Gazzola said he has a soft spot for ice cream sandwiches and salt-water taffy. His take on the health initiatives? "That should be interesting."
A group of friends from the Ceres Garden Club in Rye who were meeting at the park liked the sound of the county's efforts.
"That's a good thing," said Kathy Cusano of Rye, who brings her grandchildren to Playland and likes to go dancing there on Fridays. But Cusano said that when it comes to food choices, "when we bring them here, we have whatever."
"You can't do it at home, just here," echoed June Owens of Rye.
In another health move, smoking will be banned inside the gates of the amusement park this year. Smokers will be directed to designated areas outside the gates.
Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano signed a smoke-free-workplace law in 2003, a year ahead of a statewide ban. But Playland was exempt because it was outdoors. In recent years, smoking was banned only in the amusement section inside Kiddyland and for people waiting in ride lines.
Other changes visitors may notice at the circa-1928 park include a pair of new bathrooms in a rearranged Kiddyland, new plantings throughout the grounds and a renovated boathouse.
McBride said the paddle boats may not be ready for opening day because the dock was damaged in the recent nor'easter and repairs required the lake's water level to be dropped. Last-minute negotiations also are continuing with the owner of the Zombie Castle ride, who as of midday yesterday had not yet signed an operating contract for the year.
If you go
What: Season opening of Playland Park in Rye
When: Tomorrow. Entertainment beginning at 11 a.m. and rides opening at noon.
Cost: Visitors can purchase Fun Bands for $15, good for unlimited rides all day.
More info: The opening ceremony includes the annual parade from Playland's upper circle to Fountain Plaza, featuring the Port Chester High School marching band. Also on hand will be members of the Westchester Broadway Theatre and the 95.5 WPLJ van.
Season schedule, prices
? Playland will be open Saturdays from noon to 9 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 8 p.m. until Memorial Day weekend; after that, it will also be open many weekdays. Check the schedule for full details.
? Summer 2007 Fun Card prices are $20 for a 24-point card, $30 for a 38-point card and $1 for a single point. An eight-hour Fun Band that offers unlimited rides is $40. Major rides are two to four points each; Kiddyland rides are two points each.
? For more information, visit
www.ryeplayland.org
Topic: Rye Playland Becomes No-Smoking Environment (Read 1380 times)