Westchester County Prevails Again In Playland Arbitration Case

Press release from the Westchester County Government:

The panel found that Standard Amusements defaulted by refusing to operate Playland for the 2025 season and handing management back to the County in February 2025.

An arbitration panel has again ruled in favor of Westchester County in its long-standing dispute with Standard Amusements, LLC over the management of Playland Park. The ruling affirms the County’s termination of its contract with Standard Amusements and confirms that Standard is entitled to the least amount of liquidated damages, as outlined in the Playland Management Agreement.

The arbitration panel, chaired by Hon. Jonathan Lippman and joined by Hon. Shira A. Scheindlin and Hon. Anthony J. Carpinello, issued its decision on September 10, 2025. The panel found that Standard Amusements defaulted under the terms of the Playland Management Agreement by refusing to operate Playland during the 2025 season and formally turning over management to the County in February 2025.

In its ruling, the panel determined:

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “This decision is a clear validation of the County’s position that Standard Amusements defaulted on its responsibilities to operate and manage Playland. Our priority has always been ensuring that Playland remains open, safe, fun and well-managed for the residents of Westchester – especially our littlest residents – for now and beyond. With this ruling, the County can move forward with certainty and continue to build a strong future for this cherished park. On my watch, Playland will continue to the crown jewel of Westchester County.”

The County assumed management of Playland Park earlier this year and has since overseen operations, vendors and seasonal programming. While the County faced extensive challenges, with Playland left in a drastic state of disrepair by Standard, the Park still had a successful season. With the arbitration decision, Westchester County now has full and undisputed control of Playland’s management moving forward.

This press release was produced by the Westchester County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.