Ocean City Rules on New Playland Roller Coaster Zoning
Playland's Castaway Cove took its rebuilding proposal to the Ocean City Planning Board on Wednesday night and found them to be very receptive to it.
Why is Playland's Castaway Cove Rebuilding?
In January 2021, an electrical fire destroyed the park's arcade and front facade and caused damage to neighboring businesses. The fire closed Castaway Cove for nearly two months, but the Playland has been open the last two summers without its arcade or access through its main entrance.
What is Playland's Castaway Cove's Rebuilding Plan?
Playland's owner Scott Simpson wants to add a boardwalk-front roller coaster and a rebuilt pirate ship above a new arcade at the entrance of the 10th Street amusement park.
Adding the roller coaster would entail building a third-floor roof deck and coaster control room.
What Decision Did the Ocean City Zoning Board Have to Make?
The Zoning Board had to decide if Playland's proposal would exceed a height limitation on the Boardwalk. The roller coaster would have been in a "gray area" because rides do not typically have height restrictions. If the zoning board didn't grant the variance, the plan for a new coaster would probably have to be scrapped.
What Was the Ocean City Planning Board's Decision?
According to OCNJ Daily, the board voted unanimously that Playland's Castaway Cove did not need a height variance. This will allow the park to resume its building plans after an 8-week delay for zoning clarification.
When Could This New Playland Roller Coaster Be Operational?
Playland's Castaway Cove hopes to have the new coaster open by the summer of 2025. The new roller coaster would be in addition to the three already at the park, the GaleForce, Wild Waves, and Whirlwind.