CONEY ISLAND, Brooklyn (WABC) — The final preparations are underway ahead of opening weekend at Coney Island but the real work at Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park happens in the off season.
A team of inspectors from the New York City Department of Buildings was out on Wednesday to inspect the park’s 22 rides, including the famed Wonder Wheel.
Craig Gualtieri is the assistant chief heading up the very time consuming and tedious job.
“Certain rides can’t operate in the cold weather, if it’s hydraulics, you have to let the hydraulics warm up before you can run the ride,” Gualtieri said.
For example, each car of the Wonder Wheel has been removed and is being checked over and the main structure has been power washed to remove any chipped paint.
“Our maintenance team led by my brother Steve gets in and gets their hands all greased up, and they take everything apart, look it over, independent lab comes in once a year and X-rays critical areas,” said park co-owner Dennis Vourderis.
There is painstaking attention to detail-from the wheels to the Phoenix roller coaster to the carousel horses.
“All of the components come off, are checked, repainted and in the spring we put everything back on,” Vourderis said.
Inspectors will drop in about twice a season, but they also make unannounced visits, which are equally important.
“You have to make sure the operator is paying attention, they have to keep their eyes on the ride while it’s in motion, can’t be on a cellphone,” Gualtieri said.
If so, that could lead to termination and a possible violation.
The inspectors said they’re keeping this in mind as everyone gets ready for opening day on March 29.
“If I’m not going to put my kid on it, I’m not letting anybody else go on the ride,” Gualtieri said.
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