Visitors heading to Playland Park this summer will find most of the big rides back in action — and Westchester County officials say even more are expected to return by the end of July.

Acting Parks Commissioner Peter Tartaglia told county legislators on Tuesday, July 7, that about 70% to 75% of Playland’s major rides are currently operating, with that number expected to increase as repairs continue.

“100% of Kiddyland is operational, and about 70 to 75% of the major rides are operational, and that number will be much higher by the end of this month,” Tartaglia said during a Parks & Environment Committee meeting.

Independent reporting from MyRye.com found nine of Playland’s 40 active rides were closed as of July 2. Among the rides still offline were the Derby Racer, Gondola Wheel, Log Flume, Playland Plunge and Himalaya, which will remain closed for the entire 2026 season.

Tartaglia also told legislators the county has signed a five-year food service contract for the park. This summer’s setup includes food stands and large trailers, with plans to fully expand food operations next season.

The county has also restored many of Playland’s historic structures, Tartaglia said, following earlier tours of the improvements with legislators.

Officials also provided an update on the Merestead farmhouse restoration project.

Phase 1 — covering roofing, siding, infrastructure, foundations and minor interior work — is about 30% complete. Workers uncovered additional issues inside the aging structure, leading to more repair work than originally expected.

Phase 2 interior design plans are about 90% complete, but Tartaglia said the county may need additional funding to complete work that could not be included in the first phase.

The meeting was informational only, and legislators took no formal action on Playland or Merestead.

Committee members also discussed seasonal staffing at county pools. Tartaglia said lifeguard coverage remains adequate despite expected turnover later this summer.

Legislator Emiljana Ulaj raised the possibility of adding a pool at Croton Point Park. Tartaglia said the county has discussed including a pool study and cricket field improvements in a future design bond.

The committee adjourned at 2:52 p.m.

The next Parks & Environment Committee meeting has not yet been scheduled. Residents can follow updates through the county’s legislative calendar.