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Glen Island Park (New Rochelle, New York)

Glen Island
Geography
Location Long Island Sound
Coordinates 40°53′07″N 73°47′02″W / 40.8852°N 73.7838°W / 40.8852; -73.7838Coordinates: 40°53′07″N 73°47′02″W / 40.8852°N 73.7838°W / 40.8852; -73.7838
Total islands 5 islands
Area 105 acres (42 ha)
Administration
United States
State New York
County Westchester County
City New Rochelle

Glen Island Park is a 105-acre (0.42 km2) park, located on Glen Island, on the Long Island Sound, New York. The park is owned and operated by Westchester County and shares the island with a privately operated but county-owned entertainment facility, the Glen Island Harbour Club (formerly the Glen Island Casino). Westchester County residency is required for admission.


In 1879, former U.S. Congressman John H. Starin bought Glen Island and four nearby islands. He gave Glen Island its name and converted the islands into a summer resort for city dwellers that has been called "the first theme park". The islands were connected by causeways and piers, and each island featured a different international theme.Steamships transported visitors from New York City to the park. The park, which opened in 1881, attracted thousands of people daily, included among its attractions a bathing beach, a natural history museum, a zoo, a German beer garden and castle, musical entertainment, and a Chinese pagoda.

In 1923, Westchester County acquired the site, which is now a public recreational park.


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Wikipedia

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