Did You Know That Sullivan County, NY Had An Amusement Park?

The Hudson Valley area has known and unknown historical sites to explore. While some of these areas have historical markers explaining the past, others have been replaced by businesses.

The Hudson Valley was the home to amusement parks. Today, this area has LEGOLAND New York in Goshen, NY, Splashdown Beach in Fishkill, NY and more attractions.

Did You Know About These Amusement Parks In The Hudson Valley?

Marist College used to be an amusement park. This popular college is located in Dutchess County, NY.

Marist College Archives and Special Collections and Marist Heritage Project mentioned that the grounds of Marist College were once a thriving amusement park called Woodcliff Pleasure Park.

However, this property was sold numerous times before Fred H. Ponty took over who had developed an amusement park in Rye, NY. This "famous attraction" was known as Playland.

Marist College Archives and Special Collections and Marist Heritage Project continue to share that at this amusement park, guests were able to enjoy roller coasters, swimming pools, additional rides and concession stands.

A restaurant, dance space and more were at the Woodcliff Pleasure Park.

The Woodcliff Pleasure Park went into bankruptcy during the Great Depression and Wesley Ruthkowski took over the grounds and made it into Runk Realty Corp.

Kem Plastic Playing Cards from New York City was the buyer from Runk Realty of Woodcliff Pleasure Park, now Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY.

I'm curious if the staff and students at Marist College are aware of the fun, historical background of the college and it's grounds.

SEE MORE: How You Can Get To Sullivan County, NY's Highest Point

When Did Sullivan County, NY Have Had A Popular Amusement Park?

Sullivan County, NY is the home to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, the Monticello Casino and more.

New York Almanack shared information about Sullivan County, NY once having an amusement park.

They shared that the amusement park opened in the 1920's near what residents know today, the Sullivan County Government Center.

New York Almanack continued to explain the success of Sullivan County, NY's amusement park which had attractions such as a swimming pool, dance hall, basketball court, roller coasters, fireworks shows and more.

They also mentioned that the Monticello Amusement Park's ride, Pippin was

"the roller coaster that was purported to be “the second largest in the state.” 

 

What Replaced The Monticello Amusemement Park In Sullivan County, NY?

In the 1930's, this amusement park didn't reopen. It was under different ownerships over the years.

New York Almanack explained that in the early 1930's, the property that once had this amusement park was up for sale. Local fire departments used this property for fireworks shows in the late 1930's.

The River Reporter shared that the Sullivan County Government Center is where the amusement park used to be.

History buffs and Hudson Valley residents who were curious about this amusement park can find postcards of how it looked.

Did you know about these amusement parks in the Hudson Valley? Tell us more below.