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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Craig Gualtieri is the assistant chief heading up the very time consuming and tedious job.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
There is painstaking attention to detail-from the wheels to the Phoenix roller coaster to the carousel horses.<\/p>\n
“All of the components come off, are checked, repainted and in the spring we put everything back on,” Vourderis said.<\/p>\n
Inspectors will drop in about twice a season, but they also make unannounced visits, which are equally important.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
If so, that could lead to termination and a possible violation.<\/p>\n
The inspectors said they’re keeping this in mind as everyone gets ready for opening day on March 29.<\/p>\n
“If I’m not going to put my kid on it, I’m not letting anybody else go on the ride,” Gualtieri said.<\/p>\n
———-<\/p>\n
* More Brooklyn news<\/a><\/p>\n * Send us a news tip<\/a><\/p>\n * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts<\/a> <\/p>\n * Follow us on YouTube<\/a> <\/p>\n
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News<\/p>\n