Iconic Astroland park closes

NEW YORK, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- The owner of Astroland Park said she was shuttering the iconic Brooklyn, N.Y., amusement park for good.

Carol Hill Albert told the New York Daily News that she was closing the 46-year-old, former Coney Island hotspot at midnight Sunday, regardless of buzz that a park-saving lease-agreement with Thor Equities, the company that bought the land on which the park is built, could save Astroland.

"I want to make it clear that despite rumors to the contrary, there are absolutely no negotiations going on," the Daily News quoted Albert as saying. "Astroland Park, after 46 years in business, will have its final closing of the park. That is final."

Astroland is home to the Pirate Ship, Water Flume and Breakdance rides -- all of which are to be sold.

Albert's family reportedly will continue to operate the famous Cyclone roller coaster, however.

Thor Equities representative Stefan Friedman said new rides are expected to be installed in Coney Island next year.

"With Astroland's closure a possibility for some time, Thor Equities has been in touch with numerous amusement operators who share our vision of beginning the revitalization of Coney Island even before a rezoning is passed that would allow for a permanent year-round redevelopment," Friedman told the newspaper.