Imagine Coney Island. Now, picture that same thrill and excitement, but right here in the Bronx at Starlight Park. It once stood as the borough’s dazzling answer to Brooklyn’s famous amusement haven.
Starlight Park boasts a history as vibrant and multifaceted as New York City itself. We are standing on land that was once part of politician William Waldorf Astor’s estate. In 1918, this site was chosen to host the Bronx International Exposition of Science, Arts and Industries. The exposition was not successful. Only Brazil participated.
After the exposition, Starlight Park was born in 1920. The Bronx Expositions Corporation purchased rides and attractions. They transformed the exhibition hall into an ice rink and dance hall. The rebranded park sought to capture the hearts of New Yorkers with its array of attractions and events.
The park added shooting galleries and games of chance. A dark ride took visitors through grottos and otherworldly sights. In 1921, Starlight Park featured a baseball field, various shows, and a kids club. A sound system was installed by the pool area in 1922. Movies were broadcast from a projector. Electric riding cars, the Gyroplane, and the Maelstrom were added. Promotional events included a Film Players Club fundraiser and a singing contest.
Starlight Park was not without its challenges. A breach of contract lawsuit was filed against the Bronx Expositions Corporation in December 1920. Exposition Catering claimed the corporation failed to build an elaborate entrance and convention center. They instead erected a cheap amusement park due to mismanagement of money. Numerous incidents led to additional lawsuits against Starlight Park.
Accidents plagued Starlight Park. In May 1922, a roller coaster rider fell to his death. Six other riders were injured. That November, a fire destroyed the large Exposition Hall. The Ferris wheel and scenic railway were badly damaged. The park’s wooden structures made it susceptible to fire. A thunderstorm in June 1922 burned down several structures. Drownings in the pool area were frequent. In 1925, over two hundred bathers had items stolen during a mass robbery. A boxer died in a match at Starlight Park in 1926. A circus performer fell to his death in 1930.
At its peak in 1926, Starlight Park had 150 concessions and 26 rides. The Forest Inn, a restaurant and performance venue, was added the following year. Original attractions remained. They included the Bug House, Nonsense House, and the Whip. Also present were a Noah’s Ark, a Skee-Ball game, and the wooden coaster. The Ferris wheel, the Frolic, the Motor Dome, the Whirlpool, Witching Waves, and the Canals of Venice all drew crowds. The 15,000-seat Bronx Coliseum opened at Starlight Park in 1929. It became the park’s new sporting arena.
As the Great Depression began in 1929, Starlight Park launched promotions. Free-admission days and contests were held. The park increased its schedule of events.
A fire destroyed a large section of Starlight Park on August 8, 1932. The fire started under the abandoned roller coaster. Fifteen thousand guests witnessed the blaze. The Coliseum remained profitable after the fire. Several political rallies were held there. The swimming pool, picnic areas, and sporting fields also generated income. By 1940, Starlight Park was bankrupt.
A portion of the park and Coliseum were sold at auction. The United States Army took over the Coliseum during World War II. A fire damaged the bathing pavilion in July 1946. Another blaze destroyed it the next year. The park site was condemned. The Coliseum became the West Farms bus depot.
Today’s Starlight Park, a city park operated by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, was built in the late 1950s. It was built as part of the construction of the Sheridan Expressway.
Now, as we stand here in the revitalized Starlight Park, remember its vibrant past. A place where laughter, thrills, and community once intertwined. Though the rides are gone, the spirit of Starlight Park lives on. It is a testament to the enduring allure of amusement and recreation in the heart of the Bronx.