LUNA PARK IN CONEY ISLAND OPENS FRIDAY, MARCH 31st, FOR 2023 SEASON CELEBRATING 120 YEARS OF THRILLS AND FUN

• New Hours, New Thrills and New Treats at Luna Park This Season

• Luna Park Gives Back to Children and Youth Charities by Donating Proceeds from April 2^nd Sales through its annual Donation Day

• Donation Day Celebrations Kick Off with Annual Coney Island Cyclone Egg Cream Christening on April 2^nd

• This Year, New York City’s Iconic Coney Island Cyclone Turns 96

BROOKLYN, NY, March 27, 2023 – New York City’s most iconic amusement park, Luna Park in Coney Island, known for delivering thrills and memories to visitors for generations, is welcoming guests back for a memorable 2023 Season on Friday, March 31st at 12:00 PM EST.  Celebrating 120 years since the original inception of Coney Island’s Luna Park in 1903, Opening Weekend will culminate with Donation Day and the egg cream christening of the Coney Island Cyclone on Sunday April 2^nd.  In honor of the iconic coaster’s 96^th birthday, the first 96 guests to ride the Coney Island Cyclone will enjoy a free ride and an egg cream treat courtesy of Luna Park.  On April 2^nd, Luna Park in Coney Island’s will also be kicking off the season with its annual Donation Day, and donating proceeds from the day’s sales to children and youth charities, including the Coney Island Sharks, Give Kids The World Village, and Operation H.O.O.D..

“Our entire team is filled with gratitude and enthusiasm as we open our doors for the 2023 Season.” said Alessandro Zamperla, President and CEO of Central Amusement International. “It is an honor to continue the incomparable Amusement legacy in Coney Island and, as we preserve, revitalize, and provide an incredible family-oriented experience in NYC.  We are thankful for all our partnerships with children and youth charities, as we support them with the annual charitable tradition for Donation Day and look forward to continuing working together to benefit our community.”

“Grateful to be selected to be a part of Luna Park’s Donation Day.  Coney Island Sharks Education Sports Club greatly benefits from this inclusion by continuing our free youth programs that benefit our community.  Our participants are excited that our athletics, academic, mentoring and Youth Council programs can continue to grow successfully.” Rodney Knight, Coney Island Sharks.

“For more than a decade, the Zamperla family’s tremendous generosity and ingenuity have enabled Give Kids The World Village to create happiness and hope for critically ill children and their families from around the world during magical week-long wish vacations.  The Zamperla family’s donation of our wheelchair accessible Lori’s Magical Flight and Kelly’s Sunny Swing have had an immeasurable impact on our families – providing an opportunity for children and adults of all ages and abilities the chance to experience the joy of riding an attraction, while underscoring our commitment to diversity and inclusion.  – Pamela Landwirth, President & CEO.

“Operation H.O.O.D. is incredibly grateful for Luna Park’s commitment to enhancing our beloved Coney Island.  Our partnership with Luna Park has been invaluable in our mission to build a safer community for our children and for the young men and women who are shaping Coney Island’s future.  Operation H.O.O.D. is proud to participate in Luna Park’s Annual Donation Day Celebration and honor the organization’s devotion to giving back to the community that is their home.  Just imagine if we all cared!” – Derick Latif Scott, Director of Operation H.O.O.D., a project of Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island.

“I am delighted to participate in the Annual Donation Day and Opening Weekend at Luna Park!  Happy to learn that Luna Park chose two prominent local non-for-profits – Coney Island Sharks and Operation H.O.O.D. – to be recipients of the proceeds.  I am a big supporter of both groups and proudly secured funding for them from NYC Council.” said Council Member Ari Kagan. “We all need to work to prevent violence in Coney Island and to give our youth an opportunity to succeed.  Excited to participate in the Grand Opening for new season at the world-renowned Cyclone.  Let’s ride together!”

“Nothing says fun in the sun like a trip to Coney Island, and the opening of the amusement district sends a beacon to New Yorkers: summer is coming!” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “Whether you’re splashing around in the waves, lounging on the beach, or getting your thrills at the amusement parks, Coney Island has something for everyone.  As the weather gets warmer, I encourage all New Yorkers to pay a visit and soak up all this iconic beachfront has to offer.”

For over a century, Luna Park has been part of the iconography of amusement parks, inspiring fun, and joy for families across the world.  Today’s Luna Park, honors that rich heritage with its newest additions that pay homage to the history of Coney Island.  These attractions include Tony’s Express – a family coaster – and Leti’s Treasure – a log flume attraction.  Tony’s Express is the largest family-style coaster in NYC, making it perfect for the youngest and most daring coaster audience.  Tony’s Express twists and turns around the bespoke log flume, Leti’s Treasure.  This massive log flume water ride features over 1200 feet of track, reaching speeds of up to 30 mph, offers a panoramic view of Coney Island’s shoreline, and ends with an unforgettable splash.  And for adventure seekers of all skill levels, guests will enjoy two custom-designed ropes courses, called Sky Chaser and Sky Tykes, which together offer 4 levels of difficulty as well as stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Luna Park is also proud to announce additional hours, offering guests the opportunity to create more exciting memories throughout the season.  Luna Park in Coney Island will be open daily during Spring break (April 7^th – 16^th) and every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until Memorial Day.  Following Memorial Day weekend, visitors can experience the thrills of Luna Park daily.

Luna Park in Coney Island continues to help preserve and revitalize the historic Amusement District in New York City with innovative attractions, delivering joy to visitors year after year. Guests can look forward to over 50 attractions and entertainment, shopping and dining on the scenic landmarked Riegelmann Boardwalk and enjoy timeless charm and historic novelties.

Admission to Luna Park is free, with ride prices starting at just $3. For more information on Luna Park’s offerings, tickets, hours and more, please visit www.LunaParkNYC.com.

About Luna Park in Coney Island:

Luna Park in Coney Island is the largest and most famous amusement park in New York City.  Known as the heart of Coney Island with a heritage that stretches back over 120 years, this iconic amusement park is the ultimate destination for thrill-seekers, families, friends, and anyone who loves to have fun.  At Luna Park, visitors can immerse themselves in a world of unforgettable Coney Island seaside thrills with the park’s array of timeless attractions including the historic and legendary Coney Island Cyclone.  Luna Park is also home to breathtaking ocean views, shopping, and dining options on the scenic landmarked Riegelmann Boardwalk, offering timeless charm and novelties that make it a world-class destination for all ages.  Located at the heart of the Amusement District, with over 50 attractions and games, Luna Park offers a fun-filled day out that’s suitable for everyone.  Thrill-seekers can scream on rides like the Atlantic Aviator and the Thunderbolt, while younger guests and those seeking a milder thrill can enjoy family-friendly options like Tony’s Express and Leti’s Treasure.  Head over to LunaParkNYC.com to check out the full list of rides, entertainment, food and more.

About Coney Island Sharks Education Sports Club:

The Coney Island Sharks Education Sports Club has been a community-based organization for the past 30 years.  Their mission is to ensure that the youth are not influenced by the social platitudes of the community by providing a free athletics program that not only includes sports but life skills through mentoring and tutoring. Their athletics program consists of youth tackle Football and Cheerleading.

About Operation Hood:

Our Operation H.O.O.D. (Helping Our Own Develop) Cure Violence Initiative in Coney Island aims to identify and mediate conflicts among high-risk youth, mentor high-risk youth to change behaviors toward gun violence and mobilize the community to raise awareness about violence and promote community norms that reject violence. Operation H.O.O.D. has made the Coney Island community safer and achieved phenomenal outcomes, including multiple periods of 200 days without a shooting and hundreds of at-risk youths taking ownership and bettering their lives.  Operation H.O.O.D. maintains a walk-in center located on Mermaid Avenue centrally located in Coney Island.

About Give Kids The World Village:

Rated Four Stars by Charity Navigator, Give Kids The World Village is an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit resort in Kissimmee, Florida, that provides week-long, cost-free wish vacations to critically ill children and their families from around the world who want to visit Central Florida.  A stay at the Village is much more than a vacation. During one incredible week, wish families laugh, play, and create priceless memories together away from hospital visits and medical procedures.  It’s a magical week of “YES” where wish kids can experience the simple joys of childhood, and where families can recapture some of the precious moments that may have been missed due to illness.