Coney Island Overiew

Coney Island - A Neighborhood in Transition:Part magical nostalgia, part graffiti-pocked and worn, Coney Island nevertheless holds its place in history as America’s First Playground. In its heyday in the 1880s and early 1900s, Coney Island was initially a vacation spot for the wealthy. In the 1920s and 30s with public transportation making the beach accessible to the masses, Coney Island became the Nickel Empire: a subway ride there was a nickel and once on Coney Island one could enjoy a Nathan's hot dog and the many rides for the same price. In its summer time peak, the beach would be teeming with literally thousands of visitors, making for a crazy-crowded rather than relaxing day at the beach. But to this day, throngs of visitors come to be entertained at Coney Island.

Coney Island’s recreational wonderland reputation has gone through many incarnations. The birthplace of the hot dog in a bun and America’s first roller coaster, Coney Island has been home to three different fantasy and amusement parks: Luna Park (1903-1946), Dreamland (1904-11) and Steeplechase Park (1897-1907, then rebuilt after a fire and open from 1908-1964). The fun to be had at these parks ranged from wholesome family rides to shocking fire and brimstone spectacles and lurid fantasy enactments that led to Coney Island being dubbed "Sodom by the Sea."

Coney Island went into decline after World War II. The beach bungalow community was trampled in favor of large public housing high rises and crime soon was out of control.

In recent years, Coney Island has made a comeback. The historic icons, Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, Deno’s Wonder Wheel and the Cyclone, all endured the down times and are still in operation today. These landmarks are joined by newer, crowd-pleasing attractions. The New York Aquarium, the largest aquarium in New York City, went up where the old Dreamland Park used to stand. In 2001, KeySpan Park became home to the Mets’ minor league team, the Brooklyn Cyclones. These attractions have added to the revitalization of the area.

Dave Campanaro, Media Relations Director for the Cyclones says, “Changes have been happening (in Coney Island) even before the Cyclones came. People wouldn’t come otherwise. More and more people are spreading the word that you can make a day or a whole weekend here, go to the Aquarium, the amusement park, then take in a Cyclones game. Hopefully there will continue to be marked improvement in the area.”

Dick Zigun is a longtime Coney Island resident and founder of Coney Island USA, a non-profit that offers theater and entertainment geared toward preserving innovative American art forms and exhibits. Coney Island USA sponsors the annual Mermaid Parade and produces the popular Coney Island Circus Sideshow, complete with sword swallowers, glass walkers and of course, mermaids.

"Up until recently, Coney Island has had a real Brooklyn/ New York City feel rather than a corporate feel," says Zigun. "On Coney Island, you can eat an original hot dog, you can ride the best roller coaster. The attractions and shops are local and family-owned. The Sideshow is weird, but it fits in well here. Coney Island is doing well now. It's more user-friendly. There's a modern subway, clean bathrooms and no longer a crime problem."

More development is on the horizon. The Coney Island Development Corporation has various strategic plans in the works, developing vacant property for commercial and residential use, including housing, retail stores and a community center.

"Coney Island could end up being a mall with a Wonder Park inside," says Zigun. "People who want to see Coney Island should come now before it changes dramatically."

Coney Island Essentials:

Where is it

Coney Island is technically a small peninsula in southwestern part of Brooklyn. Bounded by the Belt Parkway to the north, Ocean Parkway to the east and Sea Gate to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. The amusement park area is found from W. 8th to W. 24th and Surf Avenue to the Atlantic Ocean.

How to Get There

By Subway: D, Q, N, F to Stillwell Avenue (last stop)

By Car: Belt Parkway, exit 75 or Ocean Parkway South to Surf Ave.