Ocean City's Castaway Cove Construction Update

Ocean City’s Castaway Cove Construction Update

It’s been two years since a blazing inferno at the Playland’s Castaway Cove in Ocean City has left local residents and authorities grappling with the aftermath of the devastating event.

The beloved amusement park, known for its thrilling rides and attractions, was engulfed in flames on January 30th, 2021, causing extensive damage to the main entrance of the park, an arcade, and shops located underneath it.

Ocean City’s Castaway Cove New Coaster – Construction Update

Some say that the biggest loss from the fire is the iconic Pirate Ship on top of the building.

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The Pirate Ship had been a staple of the park since its opening in 1976. The fire had caused so much damage to it, that it was demolished with the rest of the building after the fire.

Two months later investigators were able to determine that an electrical source caused the fire.

Despite the setback, Playland’s Castaway Cove has vowed to rebuild and restore its iconic pirate-themed attraction to its former glory plus add an exciting new feature.

Back in December 2022, the Wildwood Video Archive reported that they were not only rebuilding the arcade and the pirate ship but also a rollercoaster.

Just this week, OCNJ Daily updated the public with more information on the coaster.

According to them, Castaway Cove’s vice president, Brian Hartley, said that the proposed roller coaster still needs approval from the Ocean City zoning board.

The new structure requires a height variance to get a control room approved, which would be over the normal zoning thresholds.

Rides usually fall in a “gray area” which means there aren’t any height restrictions, but since a room has to be built, it needs to be approved by the city.

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Hartley did warn that if they don’t get this approval, the new coaster will be scrapped.