Rockaways Playland - Rockaway Beach, Queens, NY

The past Originally known as Thompson's Amusement Park, Rockaways' Playland was owned by LeMarcus Thompson, until his death. Thompson was the inventor of the modern roller coaster which debuted in nearby Coney Island.
Rollercoasters Several Roller Coasters have operated at Rockaways' Playland over the years. The only one I have information about is the "Atom Smasher" also known as the "Coaster" and "Cinerama Coaster". This was the same ride used in the film "This is Cinerama" in the 1950s. Designed by Vernon Keenan and National Amusement Devices (NAD) in 1938, the coaster was about 3000 feet long and 70 feet high.
The people who made this page possible I wish to thank Cheryl Mertz-Barger who provided all the photos for this page and the ticket The pictures are from 1985.
Picture Gallery
The Atom Smasher roller coaster dominated the left side of the park. This view shows the famous Playland letters on the turnaround of the structure.
Entrance to the Atom Smasher. The turnaround is the oposite end of the one shown above.
The Fun House at Rockaways Playland. The lift hill of the Atom Smasher is seen in the background
The turns were anything but flat.
Sign at the top of the lift hill on the Atom Smasher.
Atom Smasher train with the photographer of these pictures sitting in the front car. Note the second train in the rear.
Another view of the famous Playland sign and the Atom Smasher turnaround. Note the green trin on the top level.