Adriana Palmer
Beachland Amusements, which Staten Islanders called the South Beach Rides, operated on Sand Lane throughout the 1990s. This family-focused amusement park and arcade sat inland from the South Beach boardwalk, following a city rule established back in 1953 that moved businesses away from the immediate shorefront. For decades, including the 1990s, its Sand Lane location was a familiar destination for local families seeking summer fun.
The park offered a collection of classic amusement rides appealing to children and families. A Ferris wheel turned, providing views of the surrounding neighborhood. Bumper cars offered clanging, jolting fun for drivers. The Tilt-A-Whirl spun riders around, with many kids trying to stay on as long as possible without feeling sick. A kiddie roller coaster, though only about fifteen feet at its highest point, felt much taller and more thrilling to young riders. Other smaller rides suitable for young children were also part of the park’s offerings.
One distinct attraction was the Fun House. Its entrance featured a figure of an old lady whose loud laugh beckoned visitors inside. Riders traveled through the dark attraction in small cars. Inside, a hanging snake decoration would drop down and blow air on riders as their car passed underneath. Another startling moment came from simulated car headlights flashing on accompanied by a loud horn blowing. Many children felt scared riding through it alone in their car.
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An arcade area provided games of skill and chance. Skee-Ball was a popular game where players aimed to roll balls up a ramp to score points. Winning tickets was the goal, as these could be collected and redeemed at a counter for various prizes. Plaster of paris figurines and piggy banks were common rewards won through Skee-Ball success.
The park had special promotions and familiar food options. Wednesdays were known as Pepsi Cap Day. Bringing a collected Pepsi bottle cap allowed visitors to get onto any ride for half price, prompting kids to save caps throughout the year. A covered eatery area provided a space to sit and eat. Joe the Baker Pizzas were a well-known food item available for purchase there.
During the 1990s, the South Beach Rides maintained a distinct atmosphere. Parents often sat back on the many park benches scattered around the grounds. Their children moved freely and excitedly from one ride to another within the park. It was known as a place where kids could explore the amusements independently within a safe, familiar environment, creating lasting summer memories for Staten Island families.
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