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January 28, 2004 22:25:32
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History of Coney Island
Originally an island that was heavily populated with rabbits, named by the Dutch "konyn" meaning rabbit; transformed to become "conyne" and then coney. The area is bounded by Coney Island Creek, the Belt Parkway, Ocean Parkway and the Atlantic Ocean. At the turn of the century, three amusement parks opened along Surf Avenue. They were Steeplechase Park constructed by George C. Tilyou in 1897, Luna Park, replicating the city of Baghdad, and constructed in 1903, and Dreamland, whose claim to fame was the nations's largest ballroom, erected in 1904. This began the era of fun in the sun. The start of the 20th century brought a multitude of visitors to the shore. With subway access beginning in the 1920s, millions of people visited the area each day. Dreamland burned to the ground in 1911 and in 1944, Luna Park was destroyed by fire.
Steeplechase Park, acclaimed for its racing steeplechase horses and its dauntless parachute jump (whose structure remains), closed in 1964. This ended the heyday of Coney Island. Today, few remnants of the grandeur of the Coney Island of yesteryear remain, although two amusement areas have endured. The adventurous can still ride The Wonder Wheel at Deno's Wonder Wheel Park (3059 West 12 Street) or thrill to the exhilarating 85 foot drop of the world renowned Cyclone Roller Coaster at Astroland (1000 Surf Avenue) designated as an historic landmark. In addition to these two long standing attractions, these parks provide rides, spook houses, arcades, and video games for today's more sophisticated patron.
Served by Community District 13
Zip Code: 11224
Claims to Fame:
Consistent with the nature of the amusement area, Sideshows by the Seashore (1208 Surf Ave) provides daily performances. Here, the curiosity seeker can observe, first hand, fire-eaters, sword-swillers, and other assorted anomalies.
The Aquarium for Wildlife Conservation (Surf Ave & West 8 St) is the oldest public aquarium in the nation and has become an education center for environmental conservation. The exhibit area at the aquarium has been enlarged to include "Discovery Cove", a display of coastal ecosystems, complete with crashing waves, tide pools and other fascinating exhibits. Here one can swim with the sharks, waddle with penguins or be energized by electric eels.
The Abe Stark Ice Skating Rink (Boardwalk & West 19 St) offers indoor ice skating.
Coney Island is home to the original Nathan's Famous (1310 Surf Avenue), where the hot dog is king. Every year a hot dog eating contest is held where participants from around the globe compete.
Free summer concerts, are supported by private sponsorships and local politicians.
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