Seeking support for Hoffman's Playland

A few things that stuck out to us in this report by the Biz Review's Mike DeMasi about the effort to preserve Hoffman's Playland: 1) That the effort is reaching out to Six Flags, the corporation that owns Great Escape and 2) that Albany County exec Dan McCoy and other government leaders appear to be very involved in the effort. (Oh, and there's another interesting bit at the very end.) [Biz Review]

Comments

I always get a litle annoyed at "Save the (insert local landmark no one has been supporting for years)" efforts. People get so outraged that a place is closing, being sold, torn down etc. but if you ask them the last time they spent any money at that establishment they can't remember. Places close because people aren't supporting the business and the owners can't survive it. Instead of these last ditch outraged efforts, how about we think of the places we have fond memories of that still exist and are struggling today and GO BACK! Bring your kids, to your favorite park. Hold your birthday party at your favorite old bar. I guarantee that will be more effective than standing at the gates with a sign when the wrecking ball arrives.

From the article: "It's the gem of Albany County"?!
Good grief.

Rebecca beat me to it.

Of course, since Dan McCoy ran unopposed for Albany County Executive, perhaps he is correct. You get the government you deserve, even if that means it is eating cotton candy in a bumper car.

They aren't talking about closing the park because it isn't making money. The owners want to retire. Based on the crowds, a lot of people can tell you "the last time they spent any money at that establishment".

I sincerely hope Six Flags doesn't get their hands on it. They ruined everything that was charming and fun about the Great Escape, on top of making it ridiculously expensive to bring your family there. Isn't there a well off Loudonville family who can buy it??

C:

While I agree with you in your general sentiment about people whining about places closing that they've never been to, etc. That doesn't seem to be the case here as the owners have basically decided they don't want to run the place anymore. They even admitted it makes a profit.

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