Construction crews are hard at work preparing Huck Finn’s Playland for its grand opening next week, when local residents can come and test out the former Hoffman’s Playland rides in their new home.
After months of anticipation, Huck Finn’s Warehouse and More will finally open its gates to the Playland, just beside the store’s downtown Albany location on Erie Boulevard. Although the rides are still being assembled and secured, Capital District residents will get the chance to ride the train again next Wednesday, June 17.
Area residents have been waiting for the day to see the now-closed Hoffman’s Playland rides up and running again after the 60-year-old park closed last October, a day that came after park owners David and Ruth Hoffman announced their retirement in summer 2014.
After a rallying cry from the community to keep the park rides together in the area, it was announced that Huck Finn’s purchased the equipment. Now, after $1.8 million, $650,000 provided through grants, and months of work to get the rides up, Huck Finn’s placed the Playland’s opening date as next week.
Some rides still read “Hoffman’s” on the side, like the balloon lift, while others, like the children’s airplane ride, displays the Huck Finn’s logo. While the view from the train won’t be the same Loudonville landscape, park goers will still be met with familiar rides and concessions. Even the same old clown will greet everyone as they walk through the gates.
