I, and countless others, hope that in your plans for the restoration of the "Parachute Jump" that you do not convert this spectacular ride into and observation deck or restaurant. Oh! the shame and humiliation! Coney Island has the "Astro Tower" which already gives New Yorkers and tourists a panoramic view of the rides, ocean and beautiful boardwalk. I sure hope you rethink your planning and reopen the "Parachute Jump" into a modern version like the one at Six Flags Great Adventure, New Jersey. Intamin has modernized that 240' "Parachute Drop," but it is nothing like Coney's. Though, it is not a free-fall, it is still a very safe, thrilling and awesome ride, however, it does not have an amazing view of the sights, ocean and boardwalk. You can't compare the two!
Why, Mr. Markowitz, think of all the people that really want to ride the Coney Island "Parachute Jump." It could operate just like that one. I am telling you, if this ride does not reopen, I know for a fact that Coney Island will never be the same! Hundreds are waiting! As one of the last surviving remnants of Steeplechase Park, it is truly a wondrous sight to see and many, many people are disappointed that it does not operate.You are our only hope, and what you have done to revitalize Coney Island already is truly amazing. I am proud to have someone like you bring back Coney Island to what it is today, and I know you will go a little further with many more marvels.
Why, think of it, the Coney Island "Parachute Jump" restored and operating to its amazing glory with its colorful chutes parachuting down after 40 years for all to gaze in awe. This would be some extraordinary sight to see and I hope you can make it a reality. Many people would pay to ride this American tribute of the past especially at Coney Island. Marty, make the dream come true!
-Lisa Ann Sanders
I wanted to take a second and write you an email thanking you for your efforts
of the webpage. I'm 38 and lived in brooklyn all my life until 1995, when I
moved to rochester, new york.
I miss new york city and of course...coney. One of my favorite sights in brooklyn
was the sight of the Parachute Jump. There it always was, as long as I have
lived and breathed, in all it's mystery and glory, like an ominous beacon to
the shoreline.
I was shocked to start reading your article indicating it's teardown, only to
read on and see that it's being rebuilt. Whew....that was a close one!
Thaks for the pics, and I'm looking forward to that time lapse rebuilding...THANKS!!
Sincerely,
Bill Eaton
former - proud - Brooklynite.
I can't wait till it reopens!!!!!!
It will really be some major attraction for Coney Island!!!!!
Hello,
I checked out your website and I think it's great! I can't wait to see the rest
of the pictures!!
Thanks,
-Scallica-
First off I have to say reading your piece was GREAT!
You have done a GREAT, GREAT job!!!
However I have spoke to a few people that say " The Parachute Jump MIGHT be considered for operation again in the near future.
I have a sentimental feel for the Island. My mother grew up there in the 1930's.
And my father & mother met there in the "TILYOU" THEATER. Across
the way from GEO.C.TILYOU'S STEEPLECHASE THE FUNNY PLACE PARK.
So as you can see , I'm a fan of Coney. I collect just about everything from
Coney.
I'm down there all the time. At least 4 times a week.
I'm glad they have fixed up "George" That's my pet name for the Parachute
Jump.
Anyway. I loved reading your piece. It was warming to know that there are people
that still care about Coney.
Thank you and all my best to you.
Coney Island Guy.
Oh, Oh, PLEASE, PLEASE LET ME KNOW IS THE JUMP IS GOING TO REOPEN.
IMAGINE THE THRILL AND EXCITEMENT IF IT OPENS!!!!
I AM WILLING TO HELP SPONSOR A DRIVE T0 OPEN THIS FAMOUS
LANDMARK. I KNOW AT LEAST 50 PEOPLE WHO WOULD PAY BIG
BUCKS TO RIDE THE JUMP EVEN IF IT'S NOT A FREEFALL THE WAY IT
USED TO BE. PEOPLE ARE THRILLED TO RIDE THE ONE AT GREAT
ADVENTURE WHICH IS SAFER. COME ON NOW, THEY CAN OPEN THE
CONEY ISLAND PARACHUTE JUMP JUST LIKE THAT ONE, AND OH! WHAT
A THRILL IT WOULD BE AND IT WOULD EVEN BE SAFER. IMAGINE DROPPING FROM THAT
HEIGHT EVEN IF IT'S NOT A FREEFALL, IT WOULD STILL BE THRILLING!!! HOW CAN I
FIND OUT? I'M TELLING YOU
HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE REOPENING OF
THIS AMAZING RIDE. WHY THE MONEY WOULD BE POORING IN AND WHAT AN ATTRACTION
THIS WOULD BE!!! COULD YOU PLEASE LET ME KNOW? I am one of the hundreds waiting
to pay big bucks to ride the Jump in 2004.
Thank you and your article is thrilling!!!!!
Sincerely, LISA ANN
So much history in Coney Island, too bad it was not protected as a landmark. We need a plan something like Disney Sea's theme park in Japan. Maybe a smaller plan which Horace Bullard did before Keyspan Park was built..... We need to bring back the old amusements which Coney Island was known for the most innovative rides at that time... Neal Tumminelli
SENT:
Dear President Marty Markowitz,
I have noticed changes around the borough of Brooklyn and I must say that they
are for the better.
You were brought to my attention recently while I was photographing the Coney
Island Parachute Jump. ABC News reporters revealed that you have intentions
to bring it back to life in one form or another. I was pleased to hear that,
as I myself have an interest in the Parachute Jump as well as many others.
I developed a website "coneyislandparachutejump.com" which you can
view without banners at http://ripelimemedia.com/pjump/index.htm . I've been
receiving mail from viewers about my work and your interest in reviving the
Jump. I have posted a letter which was sent to me in hopes that it will cross
your path. The link to the letters is on the main page (after actually entering
the site). This is an issue that cannot be ignored for another 25 years and
another $5 million dollar renovation (add inflation here).
You will find this site to be of interest to you and feel free to make any suggestions
that you might find appropriate.
The Parachute Jump can do wonders to jump start what the course of time can't.
See my site and you'll understand what I mean.
Be Well and keep up the great work,
RECEIVED:
Thanks Rich and I will review your web site.....any ideas would be greatly appreciated ....the likelihood of restoring this as an amusement ride may be almost impossible but let's think of other great ideas for this historic icon in Brooklyn!
I can understand the obstacles involved but nothings impossible. We cleared Ground Zero in less than a year. We took Saddam Hussein out of his domain. We've seen Mars with the naked eye and we've seen Coney Island in the best shape that it's been in decades thanks to Marty.
The Jump is possible. "How and When? are good questions, entitled to serious answers.
The Coney Island Parachute Jump is a historic icon. It's presence, thanks to
government funding would be in jeopardy if handed over to a private corporation.
As we have seen in the past, Trump wanted to tear it down for his own development
of the land. Since then, Keyspan Park has consumed much of that space and there
is not much left surrounding the Jump. Coney Island does not need another Go
Cart track. Todays technologies may perhaps be the answer to a 45 year mystery.
I can visualize plastic/fiberglass molded parachutes hanging where cloth chutes
and numerous ropes once hung. I can visualize Coney Island and Brooklyn revived
beyond our imagination.
With the Flash Feature well in development, I've also decided to work on a Flash
Simulation of my vision of a modern Parachute Jump. Expect that to be released
in January. Lights and Sounds included! It's my way of saying
thanks to everyone who visits this site.
-Coney Island Parachute Jump . Com
I appreciate all of your letters. Keep em' coming!!!