Department of Parks and Recreation Coney Island Parachute Jump report
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Abstract
The collection consists of a report prepared in September 1983 by New York engineering firm Hardesty & Hanover for the Department of Parks and Recreation concerning the structural integrity, historical status, and future potential of the Parachute Jump attraction in the Coney Island neighborhood of Brooklyn.
Historical note
The Parachute Jump was originally designed as an amusement ride for the New York World's Fair (1939-1940). Following the close of the fair, the Parachute Jump was sold and moved to the Coney Island neighborhood of Brooklyn, where it became part of the Steeplechase Park complex. In 1968, the Parachute Jump was closed and Steeplechase Park was acquired by the City of New York in 1969. The City attempted to sell the Parachute Jump in 1971, but received no bids. Competing plans to demolish or preserve the ride arose. In 1980, the Parachute Jump was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Parks Commissioner Gordon Davis called for analysis and recommendations to be prepared concerning the structural integrity, historical status, and future potential of the Parachute Jump. The engineering firm of Hardesty & Hanover delivered the resulting report in fall 1983.
Scope and Contents
One copy of a report entitled "Study for Structural Safety Investigation and Recommendation for Reconstruction of the Parachute Jump at Coney Island, Borough of Brooklyn known as Study No. B169-382 (also known as Capital Project No. 114)" prepared by Hardesty & Hanover Consulting Engineers in September 1983 for the Department of Parks and Recreation of the City of New York. Included with the report are five schematic drawings relating to proposed reconstruction work, 40 color photographic prints, five black-and-white photographic prints, and sixteen color slides. The color slides are instead copy slides of images of historic Brooklyn.
Subjects
Conditions Governing Access
Open to users without restriction
Conditions Governing Use
Copyright is likely held by the Department of Parks and Recreation of the City of New York and the collection is expected to enter the public domain in 2103. Please consult library staff for more information.
Preferred Citation
Identification of item, date (if known); Department of Parks and Recreation Coney Island Parachute Jump report, 2016.018, Box and Folder number; Brooklyn Historical Society.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Immediate source of acquisition unknown. Formally accessioned in March 2016.
About this Guide
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Minimally processed to the collection level.
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This finding aid does not include an online listing of contents.
To learn about viewing this collection in person, please contact cbhreference@bklynlibrary.org.
