Coney Island is located in the southern region of Brooklyn, New York. It has been home to rabbits, cattle, salt flats, summer resorts, bath houses, beer gardens, amusement parks, dance halls, side shows, burlesques, mermaids, and baseball. It is the birthplace of the roller coaster and the hot dog. For over a century, it has been called “New York’s Playground”.
But life hasn't been all fun and games at Coney Island. Fires, human greed, apathy and time have reduced the once majestic amusement area to a mere shadow of itself.
Currently, there are plans to restore some of the luster to Coney Island, yet a unified vision for the area is elusive. Will the birthplace of the American amusement park be the victim of gentrification, or will Coney Island continue to be "New York's Playground"?
