3. The Cyclone was Slated for Demolition Twice

The first time the Cyclone was almost demolished was in 1971 when the city bought it from its then owner, Silvio Pinto, for $1 million. The plan at the time was to turn the site of the Cyclone over to the New York Aquarium for parking lot extension. However, the city backed out though all the while the Pintos were letting the ride fall into disrepair in anticipation of the demolition.

This disrepair lead to the second call for the Cyclone’s demolition, which was headed by the ride’s surrounding neighbors: the Luna Park houses, the Aquarium and the owner of Astroland Park. In the end, it was the owner of Astroland Park, Dewey Albert, who purchased the coaster and incorporated it into his park. It is now run by Zamperella, Luna Park which is its current next-door neighbor.