Parachute Jump

{{short description|Defunct amusement ride in Brooklyn, New York}}

{{about|the amusement park ride|jumping with a parachute|Parachuting}}

{{Infobox NRHP

| name = Parachute Jump

| nrhp_type =

| image = Parachute Jump on Coney Island.jpg

| alt = The Parachute Jump, a tall red truss structure, and its pavilion, a red, yellow, and blue building near ground level. A wooden boardwalk can be seen in the foreground.

| caption = Seen from the Riegelmann Boardwalk

| location = Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York City

| coordinates = {{coord|40.57301|-73.98441|region:US-NY_type:landmark|format=dms|display=inline,title}}

| district_map = {{Maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|frame-align=center|frame-width=250|frame-height=250|zoom=13|type=point|marker=|title=Parachute Jump}}

| built = 1939{{cite book |last1=Denson |first1=Charles |title=Coney Island: Lost and Found |date=2002 |publisher=Ten Speed Press |location=Berkeley, Calif. |isbn=9781580084550}}

| architect = Michael Marlo; Edwin W. Kleinert

| architecture =

| added = September 2, 1980{{sfn|National Park Service|1980|p=1}}

| refnum = 80002645{{sfn|National Park Service|1980|p=1}}

| designated_other2_name = New York City Landmark

| designated_other2_date = May 23, 1989{{harvnb|Breiner|1989|p=1}}; {{harvnb|New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission|Dolkart|Postal|2009|p=151}}.

| designated_other2_abbr = NYCL

| designated_other2_link = New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission

| designated_other2_number = 1638

| designated_other2_color = #FFE978

}}

The Parachute Jump is a defunct amusement ride and a landmark in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, along the Riegelmann Boardwalk at Coney Island. Situated in Steeplechase Plaza near the B&B Carousell, the structure consists of a {{convert|250|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall|sp=us}}, {{Convert|170|ST|MT|adj=on|sp=us}} open-frame, steel parachute tower. Twelve cantilever steel arms radiate from the top of the tower; when the ride was in operation, each arm supported a parachute attached to a lift rope and a set of guide cables. Riders were belted into a two-person canvas seat, lifted to the top, and dropped. The parachute and shock absorbers at the bottom would slow their descent.

International Parachuting Inc. was selected in May 1938 to operate the Parachute Jump at the 1939 New York World's Fair at Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in New York City. Capped by a {{convert|12|ft|adj=on|sp=us}} flagpole, it was the second-tallest structure at the fair. The ride was sponsored by Life Savers during the fair's first season, and it was relocated during the fair's second season to attract more visitors. In 1941, after the World's Fair, it was moved again to the Steeplechase amusement park on Coney Island. It ceased operations in the 1960s following the park's closure, and the frame fell into disrepair.

Despite proposals to either demolish or restore the ride, disputes over its use caused it to remain unused through the 1980s. The Parachute Jump has been renovated several times since the 1990s, both for stability and for aesthetic reasons. In the 2000s, it was restored and fitted with a lighting system. The lights were activated in 2006 and replaced in a subsequent project in 2013. It has been lit up in commemoration of events such as the death of Kobe Bryant. The ride, the only remaining portion of Steeplechase Park, is a New York City designated landmark and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Description

File:Coney Island Brooklyn Jul 2019 45.jpg, looking west]]

The Parachute Jump is on the Riegelmann Boardwalk at Coney Island between West 16th and West 19th Streets.{{sfn|Breiner|1989|p=1}} It consists of a hexagonal base, upon which stands a six-sided steel structure. Each of the tower's legs consists of a {{Convert|12|in|cm|-wide|abbr=|adj=mid}} flange column braced with horizontal ribs at {{Convert|7|ft|m|abbr=|adj=on}} intervals and diagonal ribs between the horizontal beams. The legs are grounded on concrete foundations, each of which contains twelve timber piles. The diagonal and horizontal ribs intersect at gusset plates, which contain splices at {{Convert|30|ft|m|abbr=|adj=on}} intervals and are riveted to the base. A ladder is on the north side of the structure, extending from the top of the base.{{harvnb|Breiner|1989|p=8}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|National Park Service|1980|p=3}} There are anti-climbing devices on the frame.{{cite web |last=Maniscalco |first=Joe |title=Coney Island Parachute Jump – No climbing allowed! |website=Brooklyn Paper |date=February 22, 2010 |url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/coney-island-parachute-jump-no-climbing-allowed/ |access-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717150636/https://www.brooklynpaper.com/coney-island-parachute-jump-no-climbing-allowed/ |url-status=live}} The frame has about 8,000 lighting fixtures, which are used for night-time light shows.{{cite web |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brooklyn/coney-island-parachute-jump-2-million-upgrade-article-1.1313170 |title=Coney Island's Parachute Jump gets $2 million upgrade and 8,000 LED lights |last=Blau |first=Reuven |date=April 11, 2013 |website=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |access-date=July 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718220054/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brooklyn/coney-island-parachute-jump-2-million-upgrade-article-1.1313170 |archive-date=July 18, 2019 |url-status=live}} The tower's wide base gives it stability, while the top is tapered off.{{harvnb|Breiner|1989|p=8}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|National Park Service|1980|p=2}}

The Parachute Jump is {{convert|250|ft}} tall.{{sfn|National Park Service|1980|p=2}}{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/15/realestate/streetscapes-coney-island-parachute-jump-for-boardwalk-s-eiffel-tower.html |title=Streetscapes: The Coney Island Parachute Jump; For the Boardwalk's 'Eiffel Tower,' Restoration or Regulating a Ruin? |last=Gray |first=Christopher |date=November 15, 1987 |website=The New York Times |access-date=July 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718220121/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/15/realestate/streetscapes-coney-island-parachute-jump-for-boardwalk-s-eiffel-tower.html |archive-date=July 18, 2019 |url-status=live}} When the ride operated at the 1939 New York World's Fair, it was {{Convert|262|ft|m|abbr=}} tall, since it was topped by a {{Convert|12|ft|m|abbr=|adj=on}} flagpole.{{harvnb|Breiner|1989|p=5}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Harrison|1983|p=4}} Twelve drop points are at the top, marked by structural steel arms, which extend outward {{Convert|45|ft|m|abbr=}} from the tower's center, and support octagonal subframes at the far end of each arm. Eight parachute guidelines were suspended from each subframe, which helped keep the parachute open. A circular structure runs atop the subframes, connecting them to each other. Walkways were above the top of the tower, as well as along each arm.

Functional parachutes dangled from each of the twelve sub-frames and were held open by metal rings. As originally designed, each parachute was {{Convert|32|ft}} in diameter.{{cite news |date=12 Dec 1938 |title=Contract Let For Three Fair Publications: New York Company to Put Out Official Guide, Daily Program and a Souvenir for Exposition Visitors Parachute Jumps to Thrill Visitors to Fair |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |page=17 |id={{ProQuest|1260673578}}}}{{sfn|Breiner|1989|p=5}} Each parachute required three cable operators. Riders were belted into two-person canvas seats hanging below the closed parachutes. The parachutes would open as the riders were hoisted to the top of the ride, where release mechanisms would drop them. The parachutes could be stopped at any time during the ascent, but not during the descent.{{cite news |last=McHarry |first=Charles |date=July 22, 1955 |title=It's a 12-Second Fall at Coney's Big Jump |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/40099367/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930001404/https://www.newspapers.com/article/40099367/ |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |access-date=December 5, 2019 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |page=358}} The parachutes slowed the rider's descent, and the seats would be stopped by a brake after they had fallen to {{Convert|4|ft||abbr=}} above ground level. Shock absorbers at the bottom, consisting of pole-mounted springs, cushioned the landing. The parachutes could accommodate loads of up to {{Convert|600|lb}}.{{cite news |date=28 May 1939 |title=4 New Concessions Open In the Amusement Area: Cast of 150 in 90-Minute 'Congress of Beauty' |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |page=11 |id={{ProQuest|1243161679}}}}

The base consists of a two-story pavilion.{{sfn|National Park Service|1980|p=2}} The upper floor housed mechanical structures and hoisting machinery, while the ground floor contained ticket booths and a waiting room. The pavilion has six sides divided by fluted piers which slope upward toward the corrugated galvanized-iron roof. The upper floor of the pavilion has red, yellow, and blue walls. The lower floor, below the height of the boardwalk, contained fenced-off open space.{{sfn|Breiner|1989|p=8}} The {{Convert|4|in|cm|adj=mid|-thick}} concrete platform surrounding the pavilion is several steps beneath the boardwalk level. It was originally intended as a landing pad for riders and has a radius of {{Convert|68|ft|m|abbr=}}. An access ramp was at the northeast corner of the platform.{{sfn|Breiner|1989|p=9}}

Precursors

File:Airborne school (9516647992).jpg, 2013]]

By the 1930s, parachutists could be trained by jumping from parachute towers rather than from aircraft.{{cite web |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/steeplechase-park/highlights/12477 |title=Steeplechase Park Highlights |publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation |access-date=July 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711133824/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/steeplechase-park/highlights/12477 |archive-date=July 11, 2019 |url-status=live}}{{sfn|Mangels|1952|pp=147–149}} Accordingly, Stanley Switlik and George P. Putnam built a {{convert|115|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} tower on Switlik's farm in Ocean County, New Jersey.{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/06/03/archives/amelia-earhart-uses-her-first-parachute-flier-makes-her-initial.html |title=Amelia Earhart Uses Her First Parachute; Flier Makes Her Initial Jump, With a New Device From a 115-Foot Tower |date=June 3, 1935 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717143859/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/06/03/archives/amelia-earhart-uses-her-first-parachute-flier-makes-her-initial.html |archive-date=July 17, 2019 |url-status=live}} The tower, which was designed to train airmen in parachute jumping, was first publicly used on June 2, 1935, when Amelia Earhart jumped from it.

The "parachute device" was patented by retired U.S. Naval Commander James H. Strong along with Switlik, inspired by early practice towers Strong had seen in the Soviet Union,{{sfn|Breiner|1989|p=4}}{{Cite web |url=https://worldwide.espacenet.com/textdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=US2111303 |title=US expired 2111303 (Parachute device) |last1=Switlik |first1=Stanley |last2=Strong |first2=James Hale |date=March 15, 1938 |type=patent |via=Espacenet |access-date=December 15, 2019 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930001409/https://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/biblio?CC=US&NR=2111303&KC=&FT=E&locale=en_EP |url-status=live}} where simple wooden towers had been used to train paratroopers since the 1920s. Strong designed a safer version of the tower, which included eight guide wires in a circle surrounding the parachute.{{sfn|Breiner|1989|p=4}} Strong filed a patent in 1935 and built several test platforms at his home in Hightstown, New Jersey, in 1936 and 1937. The military platforms suspended a single rider in a harness and offered a few seconds of free fall after the release at the top before the chutes opened to slow the fall.{{sfn|Breiner|1989|p=4}} In response to high civilian interest in trying out the ride, Strong modified his invention for non-military use, making some design changes. These included a seat that could hold two people, a larger parachute for a slower drop, a metal ring to hold it open, and shock-absorbing springs to ease the final landing. The modified amusement-ride version was marketed by Miranda Brothers Inc. as a {{Convert|150|ft|m|-tall|abbr=|adj=mid}}, two-armed parachute jump.{{harvnb|Breiner|1989|pp=4–5}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Harrison|1983|p=4}}{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/10/24/archives/fair-amusements-to-show-a-profit-net-this-year-put-at-nominal-to.html |title=Fair Amusements To Show A Profit; Net This Year Put at 'Nominal to Handsome' as Big Costs of '39 Are Eliminated |date=October 24, 1940 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718220020/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/10/24/archives/fair-amusements-to-show-a-profit-net-this-year-put-at-nominal-to.html |archive-date=July 18, 2019 |url-status=live}}

Strong sold military versions of the tower to the Romanian and U.S. armies, and he installed towers in New Jersey and Fort Benning, Georgia.{{cite web |publisher=U.S. Army Infantry, 11th Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 507th Infantry Airborne |url=http://www.infantry.army.mil/airborne/airborne/ |title=Basic Airborne Course |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051113115950/http://www.infantry.army.mil/airborne/airborne/ |archive-date=November 13, 2005 |access-date=May 6, 2006}} He converted an existing observation tower in Chicago's Riverview Park into a six-chute amusement ride. This enterprise, the "Pair-O-Chutes", performed well enough that Strong applied to build and operate a jump at the 1939 New York World's Fair.{{harvnb|Breiner|1989|p=5}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Harrison|1983|p=3}} Another jump, also reportedly designed by Strong, was installed at the Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques dans la Vie Moderne in Paris in 1937.{{sfn|Harrison|1983|p=3}}

Operation

File:1939parachutejump.jpg

= 1939 World's Fair =

Grover Whalen, the president of the New York World's Fair Corporation (WFC), selected International Parachuting Inc. in May 1938 to operate a parachute drop at the World's Fair. This was the first concession to be awarded for an amusement ride at the fair.{{cite news |date=11 May 1938 |title=Parachute Company Gets Fair Amusement Space |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |page=19 |id={{ProQuest|1251331297}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1938-05-11 |title=First Midway Contract; World's Fair to Sign 40 More Amusement Concessions |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/05/11/archives/first-midway-contract-worlds-fair-to-sign-40-more-amusement.html |access-date=2024-08-05 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} The ride, known as the Parachute Jump, was to be in the fair's amusement zone, along the eastern shore of Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens.{{harvnb|Kadinsky|2016|p=101}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Wood|2004|page=108}}{{Cite news |date=July 23, 1938 |title=Parachute Tower For World's Fair; 250-Foot Jump to Be Offered as a Novel Amusement |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/07/23/archives/parachute-tower-for-worlds-fair-250foot-jump-to-be-offered-as-a.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711145940/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/07/23/archives/parachute-tower-for-worlds-fair-250foot-jump-to-be-offered-as-a.html |archive-date=July 11, 2019 |access-date=July 17, 2019 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}} Originally, the ride was placed near the southern end of the fairground's amusement area.{{cite news |last=Compere |first=Thomas |date=10 Mar 1940 |title=Fair Fun Zone Lays Its Plans To Brighten Up: Will Have Several New Attractions, and Lighting Will Be More Brilliant World's Fair Fun Zone |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |page=A1 |id={{ProQuest|1243028976}}}} L. C. Holden and R. D. Stott were hired to design the ride,{{Cite news |date=December 12, 1938 |title=Contracts Signed For Fair's Books; Exposition Publications Is to Put Out Guide, a Souvenir Volume and Daily Program |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/12/12/archives/contracts-signed-for-fairs-books-exposition-publications-is-to-put.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717144342/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/12/12/archives/contracts-signed-for-fairs-books-exposition-publications-is-to-put.html |archive-date=July 17, 2019 |access-date=July 17, 2019 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}} and the firm of Skinner, Cook & Babcock was awarded the contract for the ride's erection in November 1938.{{cite news |date=24 Nov 1938 |title=First Pile Sunk For World Fair Temple of Faith: Osborn Declares Project the Most Ideal Proposal of Exposition; Whalen Calls It First of Its Kind |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |page=11 |id={{ProQuest|1259215231}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1938-11-24 |title=Temple of Religion is Started at Fair; Major Stevens Assigned to Fair--Soviet Russia Ships Marble for Pavilion |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/11/24/archives/temple-of-religion-is-started-at-fair-major-stevens-assigned-to.html |access-date=2024-08-05 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Construction of the Parachute Jump began the following month on December 11, 1938.

Elwyn E. Seelye & Co. designed the steelwork, Bethlehem Steel manufactured the tower pieces, and Skinner, Cook & Babcock assembled the pieces onsite. The construction cost about $99,000 ({{inflation|index=US|value=99000|start_year=1939|fmt=eq|r=-3}}).{{sfn|New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission|Dolkart|Postal|2009|pp=280–281}} Life Savers sponsored the ride,{{sfn|Breiner|1989|p=5}}{{cite magazine |date=May 24, 1939 |title=Outdoors: N.Y. Fair's Midway Formally Preemed; Lineup of Shows Now Looks 100% Set |magazine=Variety |page=47 |volume=134 |issue=11 |id={{ProQuest|1475975023}}}} investing $15,000 ({{inflation|index=US|value=15000|start_year=1939|fmt=eq|r=-3}}) and decorated its tower with brightly lit, candy-shaped rings.{{sfn|Breiner|1989|p=5}} Although the fair opened April 28, 1939,{{cite news |last=Warren |first=Carl |date=April 29, 1939 |title=Fair for Fair! Expect Million on First Day |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/40159480/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930001411/https://www.newspapers.com/article/40159480/ |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |access-date=December 6, 2019 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |page=35}} the Parachute Jump's aerial elevators had not been completed at that time.{{cite news |date=1 May 1939 |title=Play Area's Gala Opening Put Off For Two Weeks: Whalen Decides on Second Try After Tour Reveals It Still Far From Complete |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |page=14 |id={{ProQuest|1247103281}}}} By late May 1939, just before the ride opened, Life Savers had begun installing billboards at the ride's base.

==1939 season==

The Life Savers Parachute Jump opened on {{Start date|1939|05|27}}. It had twelve parachute bays;{{sfn|Breiner|1989|p=5}} while five parachutes were operational upon opening,{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/05/28/archives/play-area-at-fair-takes-on-new-life-amusement-zone-starts-to-boom.html |title=Play Area at Fair Takes On New Life; Amusement Zone Starts To Boom |date=May 28, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717144339/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/05/28/archives/play-area-at-fair-takes-on-new-life-amusement-zone-starts-to-boom.html |archive-date=July 17, 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |date=30 May 1939 |title=They Sign Book To Learn They Have Seen Fair: At Least, That's the City Building's Explanation of Its Register's Purpose |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |page=6 |id={{ProQuest|1267936692}}}} eleven would eventually be used at the fair.{{sfn|Breiner|1989|p=5}} Within three days of the ride's opening, a {{Convert|12|ft|m|abbr=|adj=on}} flagpole was added atop the original {{Convert|250|ft|m|abbr=|-tall|adj=mid}} tower to surpass the height of a statue within the Soviet Pavilion.{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/05/31/archives/us-flag-at-fair-tops-russias-star-unfurled-atop-the-parachute.html |title=U.S. Flag at Fair Tops Russia's Star; Unfurled Atop the Parachute Jump – Greatest Throng on a Weekday Present |last=Porter |first=Russell B. |date=May 31, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717143856/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/05/31/archives/us-flag-at-fair-tops-russias-star-unfurled-atop-the-parachute.html |archive-date=July 17, 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33953661/ |title=Boro Veterans Plan to Give Fair a Flagpole |date=May 31, 1939 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=July 14, 2019 |page=7 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930001407/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/article/33953661/ |url-status=live}} The flagpole had been installed because members of the public had objected to the Soviet statue being placed higher than the United States' flag.{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/12/02/archives/russia-quits-fair-finns-to-stay-reds-to-raze-4000000-pavilion.html |title=Russia Quits Fair; Finns to Stay; Reds to Raze $4,000,000 Pavilion; Moscow Orders Withdrawal Without Giving Explanation |date=December 2, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718220059/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/12/02/archives/russia-quits-fair-finns-to-stay-reds-to-raze-4000000-pavilion.html |archive-date=July 18, 2019 |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |date=30 May 1939 |title=American Flag To Rise Higher Than Soviet Star: Unfurling Over Parachute Jump Today Expected to End Patriotic Protests |page=6A |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1267936747}}}} It was the second-tallest structure in the fair, aside from the Perisphere, which stood {{Convert|700|ft}} tall.{{Cite news |last=Warren |first=Carl |date=1939-02-18 |title=35 Fun Attractions Now Assured for World's Fair |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-35-fun-attractions-now-assure/152674187/ |access-date=2024-08-05 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=258, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-35-fun-attractions-for-fair/152674148/ 265]}} Each ride cost {{US$|0.40|1939|long=no}} for adults{{Cite news |date=1939-03-11 |title=Cost of Full View of Fair Put at $15; Exposition Statisticians Say Rumor of $60 Total Price Has No Foundation |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/03/11/archives/cost-of-full-view-of-fair-put-at-15-exposition-statisticians-say.html |access-date=2024-08-05 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} and {{US$|0.25|1939|long=no}} for children. The trip to the top took about a minute, and the drop took between 10 and 20 seconds. The official 1939 Fair guidebook described the Parachute Jump as "one of the most spectacular features of the Amusement Area", calling the attraction "similar to that which the armies of the world use in early stages of training for actual parachute jumping".{{harvnb|ps=.|Monaghan|1939}}

The ride accommodated 4,500 passengers on its first two half-days of operation. Several incidents occurred within the first few months of the Parachute Jump's opening. On July 12, 1939, entangled cables left a married couple aloft for five hours in the middle of the night.{{Cite news |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/40001685/ |title=Couple Marooned Five Hours on High Parachute at Fair |last=Myler |first=Joseph L. |date=July 12, 1939 |work=Dunkirk Evening Observer |access-date=December 3, 2019 |publisher=United Press |page=3 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930001407/https://www.newspapers.com/article/40001685/ |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/07/12/archives/pair-held-100-feet-aloft-in-fair-parachute-thousands-watch-efforts.html |title=Pair Held 100 Feet Aloft in Fair Parachute; Thousands Watch Efforts to Rescue Them |date=July 12, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718220025/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/07/12/archives/pair-held-100-feet-aloft-in-fair-parachute-thousands-watch-efforts.html |archive-date=July 18, 2019 |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33986136/ |title=Pair Stranded 100 Feet in Air on Fair 'Chute |date=July 12, 1939 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |access-date=July 18, 2019 |page=171 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930001407/https://www.newspapers.com/article/33986136/ |url-status=live}} The couple returned to ride again the next day, having been congratulated for their courage by New York City mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia, who had been at the World's Fair when they got stuck.{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/07/13/archives/parachute-device-at-fair-booms-after-2-hang-in-midair-rathbornes.html |title=Parachute Device at Fair Booms After 2 Hang in Mid-Air |date=July 13, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718220133/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/07/13/archives/parachute-device-at-fair-booms-after-2-hang-in-midair-rathbornes.html |archive-date=July 18, 2019 |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33986002/ |title=Chute-Stuck Pair Go Up Again-and Down |date=July 13, 1939 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |access-date=July 18, 2019 |page=70 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930001408/https://www.newspapers.com/article/33986002/ |url-status=live}} At least two other groups of people became stuck on the Parachute Jump in its first year: a deputy sheriff and his sister-in-law later in July 1939,{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/07/23/archives/parachute-sticks-with-another-pair-but-this-time-deputy-sheriff-and.html |title=Parachute Sticks With Another Pair; But This Time Deputy Sheriff and Sister-in-Law Are Kept Aloft Only 35 Minutes |date=July 23, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718220054/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/07/23/archives/parachute-sticks-with-another-pair-but-this-time-deputy-sheriff-and.html |archive-date=July 18, 2019 |url-status=live}} and two female friends that September.{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/09/09/archives/parachute-jams-again-two-women-kept-230-feet-in-air-at-fair-for.html |title=Parachute Jams Again; Two Women Kept 230 Feet in Air at Fair for Half Hour |date=September 9, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718220119/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/09/09/archives/parachute-jams-again-two-women-kept-230-feet-in-air-at-fair-for.html |archive-date=July 18, 2019 |url-status=live}} Despite a decrease in fairground visitors during mid-1939, the Parachute Jump was one of the few attractions at the fair to remain profitable.{{cite magazine |date=Jul 15, 1939 |title=New York World's Fair: Business Drop Has Drastic Effect on Midway Morale |magazine=The Billboard |pages=30 |volume=51 |issue=28 |id={{ProQuest|1032200704}}}} The jump earned $119,524 in its first three months of operation ({{inflation|index=US|value=119524|start_year=1940|fmt=eq|r=-3}}).{{cite news |date=30 Aug 1939 |title=World's Fair Debenture Holders Agree to Waive Payments Under New Fiscal Plan: Share of Gate To Be Used on Pressing Bills |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |page=11 |id={{ProQuest|1319968323}}}} At the end of the first season on November 1, 1939, the jump had recorded 551,960 visitors.{{cite news |date=1 Nov 1939 |title=Displays at Fair List Estimates Of Attendance: Aquacade and Perisphere Drew Best Among Shows That Charged Admission |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |page=12 |id={{ProQuest|1267844882}}}}

==1940 season==

The Parachute Jump's popularity was negatively affected by its secluded location.{{Cite news |date=1940-03-29 |title=Fair Turns Ground for Typical Homes; FHA Administrator Shovels in Mud for Two Cottages to House Picked Families |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/03/29/archives/fair-turns-ground-for-typical-homes-fha-administrator-shovels-in.html |access-date=2024-08-05 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} After the Life Savers sponsorship ended at the conclusion of the 1939 season,{{harvnb|Breiner|1989|p=6}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Harrison|1983|pp=5–6}} the WFC decided to relocate the ride to attract more visitors.{{Cite news |date=1939-12-30 |title=Fair Parachute Jump to Move to New Site |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-fair-parachute/152695308/ |access-date=2024-08-05 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=7 |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |date=30 Dec 1939 |title=Parachute Jump at Fair Begins Moving Next Week |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |page=9 |id={{ProQuest|1260978688}}}} The relocation was announced in December 1939, and work began in February 1940.{{cite news |date=19 Feb 1940 |title=Huge Ski Arena Will Be Erected At World's Fair: Quarter-Mile Winter Sports Area, for Summer Use, to Offer Lessons for Public Amusement Zone al the World's Fair to Undergo Many Improvements |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |page=17A |id={{ProQuest|1242964865}}}}{{Cite news |date=1940-02-16 |title=Fair Chute Jump to Have New Site |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-fair-chute-jump-to-have-new-s/152696729/ |access-date=2024-08-05 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=491 |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |date=16 Feb 1940 |title=Argentina Quits Fair, 5 Nations Increase Space: Chile Also May Go; E. F. Roosevelt Lists Gains in Latin-American Section |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |page=10 |id={{ProQuest|1242979591}}}} The new location was near the New York City Subway's World's Fair station,{{cite magazine |date=Apr 10, 1940 |title=Glamorizing N. Y. Fair |magazine=Variety |pages=1, 47 |volume=138 |issue=5 |id={{ProQuest|1505737883}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Loeb |first=August |date=1940-04-07 |title=New Life in Fair's Play Zone; Spring Days Beckon City Motorists to the Open Road |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/04/07/archives/new-life-in-fairs-play-zone-spring-days-beckon-city-motorists-to.html |access-date=2024-08-05 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} occupying part of the Children's World site at the northeast corner of the amusement area. A twelfth chute was installed,{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/01/29/archives/shift-in-fairs-play-zone-parachute-jump-to-be-moved-to-more-central.html |title=Shift in Fair's Play Zone; Parachute Jump to Be Moved to More Central Site |date=January 29, 1940 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718220057/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/01/29/archives/shift-in-fairs-play-zone-parachute-jump-to-be-moved-to-more-central.html |archive-date=July 18, 2019 |url-status=live}} and the chutes, hoist cables, and guide wires were all replaced.{{cite magazine |date=Jun 29, 1940 |title=World's Fairs: New York World's Fair - 4 Best Middle Week-days Aid 623,329 Total |magazine=The Billboard |pages=30-31 |volume=52 |issue=26 |id={{ProQuest|1032219902}}}} The WFC also considered installing lights atop the Parachute Jump to increase its visibility.{{cite news |date=8 Dec 1939 |title=Fair Planning Fun Center No One Can Miss: Midway Theme Scrapped; Smaller but Brighter Is Motif;' Chute Jump to Move |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |page=21A |id={{ProQuest|1320022702}}}} By the beginning of April 1940, workers were installing dozens of {{convert|60|ft|m|-deep|adj=mid}} pilings to support the Parachute Jump.{{Cite news |date=1940-04-01 |title=Army of Workers Putting World's Fair Into Better Condition Than Last Year |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-army-of-workers-put/152696033/ |access-date=2024-08-05 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |pages=2}} The project cost $88,500 ({{inflation|index=US|value=88500|start_year=1940|fmt=eq|r=-3}}). The American Jubilee theater was built on the Parachute Jump's old site.{{cite news |date=15 Feb 1940 |title=Fair to Produce Huge Spectacle On U.S. History: 'American Jubilee,' With Cast of 350, To Be Staged in New Arena in Play Zone |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |page=21 |id={{ProQuest|1242994960}}}}{{Cite news |date=April 29, 1940 |title=Play Zone at Fair Is '100% Sold Out'; Revitalized Great White Way Offers Livelier and Gayer Section Than Last Year |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/04/29/archives/play-zone-at-fair-is-100-sold-out-revitalized-great-white-way.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718220033/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/04/29/archives/play-zone-at-fair-is-100-sold-out-revitalized-great-white-way.html |archive-date=July 18, 2019 |access-date=July 18, 2019 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}

The ride was originally supposed to be completed by May 8, 1940.{{cite news |date=30 Apr 1940 |title=Advance Sales Of Fair Tickets Ahead of 1939: Million Family Books Are Half Sold; Out-of-Town Orders Increased 15% |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |page=13 |id={{ProQuest|1254975041}}}} The chutes were installed on May 1,{{cite news |date=1 May 1940 |title=Fair Has Spent $6,000,000 for Its 1940 Season: 2,000 Workmen Employed in Amusement Area Alone as May II Opening Nears |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |page=10 |id={{ProQuest|1255390979}}}} and the guide wires were still being installed when the fair reopened on May 11.{{cite news |date=11 May 1940 |title=Fair, Opening Today. Seeks To Outdo '39: Fine Weather Promised for Day-Long Festival Starting Second Year Gates Open at 10, Ceremony at Noon Amusement Area Ready War Changes Plans of Foreign Participants |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |page=1 |id={{ProQuest|1249883335}}}} The reopening was delayed by disagreements between International Parachuting Inc. and James Strong.{{Cite news |date=May 25, 1940 |title=Fair Parachuting Held Up By Dispute; Withdrawal of the Inventor From Company Delays Opening of Device |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/05/25/archives/fair-parachuting-held-up-by-dispute-withdrawal-of-the-inventor-from.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718220055/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/05/25/archives/fair-parachuting-held-up-by-dispute-withdrawal-of-the-inventor-from.html |archive-date=July 18, 2019 |access-date=July 18, 2019 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{cite magazine |date=Jun 1, 1940 |title=World's Fairs: New York World's Fair - 1,000,000 Paid Mark is Passed on the 9th Day |magazine=The Billboard |pages=30 |volume=52 |issue=22 |id={{ProQuest|1032237040}}}}{{cite news |date=5 Jun 1940 |title=Fair's Parachute Jump To Be Ready in Few Days: Agreement Ends Dispute, That Tied Up Attraction |page=21 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1250031249}}}} International Parachuting sued Strong to prevent him from selling the rights to the ride to third parties,{{cite news |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33986336/ |title=Seek to Retain Exclusive Rights to Parachute Jump |date=May 2, 1940 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=July 18, 2019 |page=26 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930001409/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/article/33986336/ |url-status=live}} though they ultimately reached a settlement that June. The Parachute Jump reopened on June 22, 1940,{{cite news |date=22 Jun 1940 |title=Parachute Jump Opens Today |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |page=9 |id={{ProQuest|1320022595}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=June 23, 1940 |title=Fair 'Chutes in Operation |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/06/23/archives/fair-chutes-in-operation.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718220027/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/06/23/archives/fair-chutes-in-operation.html |archive-date=July 18, 2019 |access-date=July 18, 2019 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}} over a month after the fair's reopening. The ride initially retained its original ticket prices of 40 cents for adults and 25 cents for children.{{cite news |date=29 Apr 1940 |title=Fair Amusement Zone Sold Out, 90 Concessions on Its New List: Director Reports All Space Taken; Area Will Offer 3 Major Shows, 18 Smaller Ones and 15 Rides Among Other Attractions |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |page=1 |id={{ProQuest|1266874326}}}} In July 1940, in response to the implementation of a federal amusement tax, the ride's operators reduced the ticket prices to {{US$|0.36|1940|long=no}} for adults and {{US$|0.20|1940|long=no}} for children.{{cite magazine |date=Jul 6, 1940 |title=World's Fairs: New York World's Fair - New Defense Tax Brings Revision in Tab Schedule |magazine=The Billboard |pages=29, 31 |volume=52 |issue=27 |id={{ProQuest|1032227285}}}} During the fair's second season, a couple was married on the Parachute Jump in what one newspaper described as the first-ever "parachute ceremony".{{Cite news |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/40250004/ |title=Couple Are Married on Parachute Tower |agency=International News Service |date=August 26, 1940 |work=The Morning News |access-date=December 8, 2019 |page=18 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930001912/https://www.newspapers.com/article/40250004/ |url-status=live}}

The relocation of the Parachute Jump, and the consolidation of concessions in the amusement area, helped improve business for the 1940 season. The Parachute Jump ultimately was the fair's second-most popular amusement attraction, behind the Billy Rose's Aquacade stage show.{{Cite news |last=Schneider |first=Daniel B. |date=June 1, 1997 |title=F.y.i. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/01/nyregion/fyi-358509.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527050740/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/01/nyregion/fyi-358509.html |archive-date=May 27, 2015 |access-date=January 16, 2020 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} A half-million guests had jumped from the tower before the end of the World's Fair.{{sfn|Stern|Gilmartin|Mellins|1987|p=752}} The Parachute Jump was slated to be sent to either Coney Island in Brooklyn or Palisades Amusement Park in New Jersey following the fair.{{cite news |date=October 24, 1940 |title=Coney Island May Get Fair 'Chute Jump |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33986716/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930001913/https://www.newspapers.com/article/33986716/ |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |access-date=July 18, 2019 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |page=2}} Relocation to Coney Island was considered as early as August 1940; both Luna Park and Steeplechase Park were interested in purchasing the ride during this time.{{cite news |last=Ranson |first=Jo |date=August 4, 1940 |title=Shows to Migrate from Fair Midway to Coney in 1941 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2049487/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930001911/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/article/2049487/ |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |access-date=July 18, 2019 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |page=6}} After the fair closed in October 1940,{{cite news |date=29 Oct 1940 |title=Fair Fades Into a Ghost Town; Dismantling Barely Dents Quiet |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |page=1 |id={{ProQuest|1262386905}}}} its operators announced that the Parachute Jump would be sent to Coney Island.{{sfn|Stern|Gilmartin|Mellins|1987|p=752}}{{cite news |date=27 Oct 1940 |title=Coney Getting Chute Jump Retains Role as Heir of Fairs: Island Has Inherited Amusement Devices Since Philadelphia Centennial in 1876, When 'Iron Tower,' With Steam Elevator, Was Thriller Coney Island-in the Early 1880's and as It Appears Today |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |page=A1 |id={{ProQuest|1243057263}}}}

= Steeplechase Park =

File:2010-03-21 at 10-52-34.jpg

Frank Tilyou and George Tilyou Jr., the owners of Steeplechase Park, acquired the jump for {{US$|150000|1941|long=no}}.{{sfn|Breiner|1989|p=7}} The park was recovering from a September 1939 fire, which had caused {{US$|200000|1939|long=no}} in damage and injured 18 people.{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/09/15/archives/coney-area-swept-by-fire-200000-damage-18-hurt-damage-caused-by.html |title=Coney Area Swept by Fire; $200,000 Damage; 18 Hurt |date=September 15, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712145700/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/09/15/archives/coney-area-swept-by-fire-200000-damage-18-hurt-damage-caused-by.html |archive-date=July 12, 2019 |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33793308/ |title=$500,000 Fire Perils All of Coney Island |date=September 15, 1939 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |access-date=July 12, 2019 |page=6}} The fire had destroyed many of the larger attractions, including a Flying Turns roller coaster, whose site stood empty a year after the blaze.{{sfn|McCullough|2000|p=346}} The Parachute Jump was disassembled in January 1941{{Cite news |date=1941-01-30 |title=Down Come Chutes |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-down-come-chutes/152699024/ |access-date=2024-08-05 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=337}} and moved to the site of the Flying Turns coaster, adjacent to the boardwalk. The ride required some modifications in its new, windier, shore-side location, including the addition of {{Convert|30|ft|m|-deep|abbr=|adj=mid}} foundations.{{cite news |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33986956/ |first=Robert |last=Francis |title=Coney Figures Itself in for an Old-Fashioned Summer With Plenty of Fun for Everyone |date=April 26, 1941 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=July 18, 2019 |page=4 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930001912/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/article/33986956/ |url-status=live}} The relocation was supervised by the engineer Edwin W. Kleinert and architect Michael Marlo.{{sfn|National Park Service|1980|p=5}} Its installation was part of a larger reconstruction of an {{convert|800|ft|m|adj=mid|-long}} section of the boardwalk.{{Cite magazine |first=Tom |last=O'Connell |title=Send 'Em Away with a Smile, Is Philosophy of Jim Onorato |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4B8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT30 |magazine=The Billboard |date=July 15, 1950 |language=en |access-date=August 11, 2020 |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112000841/https://books.google.com/books?id=4B8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT30 |url-status=live}} A reporter for Billboard magazine wrote that the Parachute Jump was visible "from Staten Island, from far at sea, and from the Battery".{{cite magazine |date=May 24, 1941 |title=Park-Resorts-Pools: Coney Island, N. Y. |magazine=The Billboard |pages=42 |volume=21 |issue=53 |id={{ProQuest|1032267637}}}}

The jump reopened in May 1941.{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1941/05/31/archives/beaches-crowded-for-the-holiday-all-resorts-in-metropolitan-area.html |title=Beaches Crowded for the Holiday; All Resorts in Metropolitan Area Report Near-Records for Their Attendance |date=May 31, 1941 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711130459/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/05/31/archives/beaches-crowded-for-the-holiday-all-resorts-in-metropolitan-area.html |archive-date=July 11, 2019 |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |date=31 May 1941 |title=600,000 See City's Parade For War Dead: Crowd Silent as G. A. R. Veterans, Symbol of an Earlier Crisis, Pass By Parachute Jump at Fair Begins Moving Next Week |page=1A |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1255837372}}}} Unlimited rides on the Parachute Jump were initially included within Steeplechase Park's single admission fee, which cost {{US$|0.25|1941|long=no}} at the time of the ride's relocation.{{cite news |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33987755/ |title=Coney Island Dolls Up, Winks at Service Men |last=Ranson |first=Jo |date=May 30, 1941 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=July 18, 2019 |page=7 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930001913/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/article/33987755/ |url-status=live}} Later, the brothers introduced "combination tickets", which included the park admission fee and a predetermined number of ride experiences on any of the attractions in the park.{{cite news |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/40168724/ |title=Steeplechase Dolls Up to Mark its 50th Year |last=Corby |first=Jane |date=May 12, 1946 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=December 3, 2019 |page=7 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930002029/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/article/40168724/ |url-status=live}} During World War II, when much of the city was subject to a military blackout,{{sfn|Breiner|1989|p=7}} a navigational beacon atop the ride stayed lit.{{cite news |date=19 Apr 1942 |title=City Blacks Out Its Ocean Front Until War Ends: Valentine Orders Masking of All Lights Visible From Sea, Including Coney's |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1256814873}}}} The Parachute Jump originally used the multicolored chutes from the World's Fair; by the mid-1940s, these had been replaced with white chutes.{{sfn|Breiner|1989|p=7}} According to Jim McCollough, a business partner and nephew of the Tilyou brothers, the frame was repainted every year.{{sfn|Harrison|1983|pp=7–8}}

The Parachute Jump attracted up to half a million riders during each annual operating season. Most riders reached the tower's pinnacle in just under a minute and descended within 11–15 seconds.{{harvnb|Breiner|1989|p=7}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Harrison|1983|pp=7–8}} The experience was described as similar to "flying in a free fall". The Parachute Jump was popular among off-duty military personnel, who took their friends and loved ones to the ride.{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1943/06/27/archives/coney-has-a-war-boom-there-are-priorities-shortages-and-the-dimout.html |title=Coney Has a War Boom; There Are Priorities, Shortages and the Dimout, but the Subway Is Convenient |last=Lindheim |first=Burton |date=June 27, 1943 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718220056/https://www.nytimes.com/1943/06/27/archives/coney-has-a-war-boom-there-are-priorities-shortages-and-the-dimout.html |archive-date=July 18, 2019 |url-status=live}} Occasionally, riders became stuck mid-jump or were tangled within the cables.{{refn|1=See, for instance:

{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1941/07/13/archives/stuck-in-parachute-jump.html |title=Stuck in Parachute Jump |date=July 13, 1941 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718220052/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/07/13/archives/stuck-in-parachute-jump.html |archive-date=July 18, 2019 |url-status=live}}
{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1946/09/02/archives/2-girls-in-high-suspense-as-parachute-jump-sticks.html |title=2 Girls in High Suspense As Parachute Jump Sticks |date=September 2, 1946 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718220054/https://www.nytimes.com/1946/09/02/archives/2-girls-in-high-suspense-as-parachute-jump-sticks.html |archive-date=July 18, 2019 |url-status=live}}
{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1958/05/31/archives/2-dangle-90-minutes-on-coney-island-jump.html |title=2 Dangle 90 Minutes on Coney Island Jump |date=May 31, 1958 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718220136/https://www.nytimes.com/1958/05/31/archives/2-dangle-90-minutes-on-coney-island-jump.html |archive-date=July 18, 2019 |url-status=live}}

}} The ride was subject to shutdowns on windy days, especially when breezes exceeded {{Convert|45|mph||abbr=}}. Furthermore, at least fifteen people were required to operate the Parachute Jump, making it unprofitable.{{cite web |url=http://www.nationaltrust.org/magazine/archives/arch_story/013004.htm |title=Thrill of a Lifetime |last=Vita |first=Tricia |date=January 30, 2004 |work=Online Preservation |publisher=National Trust for Historic Preservation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070211070721/http://www.nationaltrust.org/magazine/archives/arch_story/013004.htm |archive-date=February 11, 2007 |access-date=July 18, 2019}}{{cite news |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34018929/ |first=Randy |last=Diamond |title=This jump heads for oblivion |date=June 14, 1983 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |access-date=July 18, 2019 |page=97 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930001913/https://www.newspapers.com/article/34018929/ |url-status=live}}

Coney Island's popularity receded during the 1960s as it underwent increased crime, insufficient parking facilities, and patterns of bad weather. These difficulties were exacerbated by competition from the 1964 New York World's Fair, also in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, which led to a record low patronage at Steeplechase Park.{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/02/archives/coney-island-slump-grows-worse-decline-in-business-since-the-war.html |title=Coney Island Slump Grows Worse; Decline in Business Since the War Years Has Been Steady |date=July 2, 1964 |website=The New York Times |access-date=July 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731031711/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/02/archives/coney-island-slump-grows-worse-decline-in-business-since-the-war.html |archive-date=July 31, 2018 |url-status=live}} On September 20, 1964, Steeplechase Park closed for the last time,{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/21/arts/design/leaps-of-imagination-for-the-parachute-jump.html |title=Leaps of Imagination for the Parachute Jump |last=Chan |first=Sewell |date=July 21, 2005 |website=The New York Times |access-date=July 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709185442/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/21/arts/design/leaps-of-imagination-for-the-parachute-jump.html |archive-date=July 9, 2019 |url-status=live}}{{sfn|Immerso|2002|p=172}} and the next year, the property was sold to developer Fred Trump.{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/07/01/archives/steeplechase-park-planned-as-the-site-of-housing-project.html |title=Steeplechase Park Planned as the Site of Housing Project |date=July 1, 1965 |website=The New York Times |access-date=July 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731031636/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/07/01/archives/steeplechase-park-planned-as-the-site-of-housing-project.html |archive-date=July 31, 2018 |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33933720/ |first1=Robert |last1=Walsh |first2=Lester |last2=Abelman |title=Steeplechase Sold; Loses Race to the Sands of Time |date=July 2, 1965 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |access-date=July 14, 2019 |page=6 |archive-date=September 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921021201/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33933720/steeplechase-sold-loses-race-to-the/ |url-status=live}} On the site of Steeplechase Park, Trump proposed building a {{convert|160|ft|m|-high|adj=mid}} enclosed dome with recreational facilities and a convention center.{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/07/24/archives/a-160foothigh-pleasure-dome-is-proposed-for-coney-island-a-dome.html |title=A 160-Foot-High Pleasure Dome Is Proposed for Coney Island |date=July 24, 1966 |website=The New York Times |access-date=July 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731031544/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/07/24/archives/a-160foothigh-pleasure-dome-is-proposed-for-coney-island-a-dome.html |archive-date=July 31, 2018 |url-status=live}}

= Closure =

The Parachute Jump stopped operating as part of Steeplechase Park upon the latter's closure in 1964.{{sfn|Harrison|1983|p=1}} Sources disagree on whether the ride closed permanently or continued to operate until as late as 1968. The Coney Island historian Charles Denson explained that the jump closed in 1964 but that many publications give an erroneous date of 1968.{{Cite web |url=https://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/16/answers-about-the-preservation-of-coney-island-part-2/ |title=Answers About the Preservation of Coney Island, Part 2 |date=July 16, 2009 |website=The New York Times: City Room |language=en-US |access-date=July 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720115959/https://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/16/answers-about-the-preservation-of-coney-island-part-2/ |archive-date=July 20, 2019 |url-status=live}} The nonprofit Coney Island History Project maintains that the attraction closed in 1964 and the 1968 date was based on an inaccurate newspaper article.{{Cite news |date=May 5, 2007 |title=Coney Island Parachute Jump |language=en |work=Coney Island History Project |url=https://www.coneyislandhistory.org/ask-mr-coney/coney-island-parachute-jump |url-status=live |access-date=March 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180317102047/http://www.coneyislandhistory.org/ask-mr-coney/coney-island-parachute-jump |archive-date=March 17, 2018}} The Guide to New York City Landmarks also mentions that the ride closed in 1964,{{sfn|New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission|Dolkart|Postal|2009|pp=280–281}} while the Brooklyn Paper says the jump was shuttered in 1965. A New York Daily News article in 1965 said the Parachute Jump was nonoperational and had "been stripped of its wires and chutes".{{cite news |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34001521/ |first=Michael |last=Iachietta |title=Coney Island's Vanished Glory |date=June 6, 1965 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |access-date=July 18, 2019 |page=60 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930001919/https://www.newspapers.com/article/34001521/ |url-status=live}} A New York World-Telegram article the following year described a plan to restore Steeplechase Park, which included turning the Parachute Jump into the "world's largest bird feeding station".{{cite web |url=https://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520The%2520World%2520Telegram%2520and%2520Sun%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520The%2520World%2520Telegram%2520and%2520Sun%25201966%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520The%2520World%2520Telegram%2520and%2520Sun%25201966%2520a%2520-%25203149.pdf |title=Coney '66: High Hope |first=Robert |last=Samuels |work=New York World-Telegram |date=March 28, 1966 |access-date=January 15, 2020 |via=fultonhistory.com |page=B1 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930002415/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2024/New%20York%20NY%20The%20World%20Telegram%20and%20Sun/New%20York%20NY%20The%20World%20Telegram%20and%20Sun%201966/New%20York%20NY%20The%20World%20Telegram%20and%20Sun%201966%20a%20-%203149.pdf |url-status=live}}

Several sources state that the jump operated until 1968. According to a press release in 1965, when the Parachute Jump was ostensibly still operating, it attracted half a million visitors per year.{{sfn|Harrison|1983|p=7}} A Daily News article from 1973 states the ride closed in 1968.{{cite news |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34018324/ |first=Jean |last=Perry |title=Future of Coney's Parachute Jump is Up in the Air |date=September 5, 1973 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |access-date=July 18, 2019 |page=223 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930003614/https://www.newspapers.com/article/34018324/ |url-status=live}} Consulting engineer Helen Harrison and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation's website also cite a closure date of 1968, saying it was one of several small rides that were operated by concessionaires on the site of Steeplechase Park.{{sfn|Harrison|1983|p=8}} According to Harrison, the last documented incident on the ride was on May 30, 1968, when a young girl was reported to have gotten stuck halfway through the drop.{{sfn|Harrison|1983|p=9}}

Post-closure

= Acquisition of site =

File:ENTRANCE TO ABANDONED PARACHUTE JUMP TOWER AT STEEPLEEHASE AMUSEMENT PARK ON CONEY ISLAND - NARA - 547894.jpg. "Positively No Bumping" sign was from its go-kart use.]]

In 1966, the Coney Island Chamber of Commerce petitioned the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) to make the Parachute Jump an official city landmark. Trump, however, wanted to sell it as scrap and did not think it was old enough to warrant landmark status.{{cite news |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34001647/ |title=What's Up at Chute? More Like Toboggan |date=September 18, 1966 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |access-date=July 18, 2019 |page=195 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930003614/https://www.newspapers.com/article/34001647/ |url-status=live}} Trump rented out the area around the base as a concession, and it was encircled by a small go-kart track. That October, the city announced a plan to acquire the {{convert|125|acre|ha}} of the former Steeplechase Park so the land could be reserved for recreational use.{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/10/05/archives/city-wants-site-of-steeplechase-for-seafront-coney-island-park.html |title=City Wants Site of Steeplechase For Seafront Coney Island Park; Planning Board Sets Oct. 19 Hearing to Bar Area for High-Rise Homes |last=Fowle |first=Farnsworth |date=October 5, 1966 |website=The New York Times |access-date=July 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731031859/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/10/05/archives/city-wants-site-of-steeplechase-for-seafront-coney-island-park.html |archive-date=July 31, 2018 |url-status=live}} The city voted in 1968 to acquire the site for $4 million (equivalent to ${{inflation|index=US|value=4|start_year=1968|fmt=c}}{{nbsp}}million in {{inflation-year|US}}).{{sfn|Harrison|1983|p=9}}{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1968/05/23/archives/park-usage-voted-for-steeplechase-city-to-seek-2million-aid-to-buy.html |title=Park Usage Voted For Steeplechase; City to Seek $2-Million Aid to Buy Coney Island Tract |last=Bennett |first=Charles G. |date=May 23, 1968 |website=The New York Times |access-date=July 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731031931/https://www.nytimes.com/1968/05/23/archives/park-usage-voted-for-steeplechase-city-to-seek-2million-aid-to-buy.html |archive-date=July 31, 2018 |url-status=live}} The city government planned to allow a concessionaire to continue operating the Parachute Jump through a temporary lease.{{Cite news |last=Brady |first=Thomas F. |date=1969-04-12 |title=Heckscher Tells of Plan for Coney; Projects Include Expanded Play and Meeting Areas |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1969/04/12/archives/heckscher-tells-of-plan-for-coney-projects-include-expanded-play.html |access-date=2024-08-05 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

Control of the jump passed to New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks), the municipal government agency tasked with maintaining the city's recreational facilities. The agency attempted to sell the jump at auction in 1971{{cite news |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34018066/ |title=Coney Parachute Jump to Hit the Silk |date=May 28, 1971 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |access-date=July 18, 2019 |page=313 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930003616/https://www.newspapers.com/article/34018066/ |url-status=live}} but received no bids.{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/07/02/archives/parachute-jump-gets-no-bidders.html |title=Parachute Jump Gets No Bidders |date=July 2, 1971 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718220111/https://www.nytimes.com/1971/07/02/archives/parachute-jump-gets-no-bidders.html |archive-date=July 18, 2019 |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34018282/ |first=John |last=Toscano |title=Coney Parachute Jump is About to Go Down |date=July 2, 1971 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |access-date=July 18, 2019 |page=275 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930003616/https://www.newspapers.com/article/34018282/ |url-status=live}} NYC Parks had planned to demolish the Parachute Jump if no one was willing to buy it.{{sfn|Harrison|1983|p=9}} A study conducted in 1972 found the jump was structurally sound. At the time, there were proposals to give the tower landmark status and install a light show on it.

The city government unsuccessfully attempted to redevelop the Steeplechase site as a state park.{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/04/03/archives/new-york-after-10-years-finds-plan-to-create-a-coney-island-park-is.html |title=New York, After 10 Years, Finds Plan to Create a Coney Island Park Is Unsuccessful |last=Chambers |first=Marcia |date=April 3, 1977 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711032447/https://www.nytimes.com/1977/04/03/archives/new-york-after-10-years-finds-plan-to-create-a-coney-island-park-is.html |archive-date=July 11, 2019 |url-status=live}} By the late 1970s, the city government wanted to build an amusement park on the land.{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/06/16/archives/city-in-a-shift-says-coney-i-park-should-become-amusement-area.html |title=City, in a Shift, Says Coney I. Park Should Become Amusement Area |last=Chambers |first=Marcia |date=June 16, 1977 |website=The New York Times |access-date=September 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915192608/https://www.nytimes.com/1977/06/16/archives/city-in-a-shift-says-coney-i-park-should-become-amusement-area.html |archive-date=September 15, 2018 |url-status=live}} Norman Kaufman, who had run a small collection of fairground amusements on the Steeplechase site since the 1960s,{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/06/03/archives/15year-dispute-over-lease-for-coney-island-steeplechase-continues.html |title=15-Year Dispute Over Lease for Coney Island Steeplechase Continues |last=Fowler |first=Glenn |date=June 3, 1979 |website=The New York Times |access-date=September 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915192610/https://www.nytimes.com/1979/06/03/archives/15year-dispute-over-lease-for-coney-island-steeplechase-continues.html |archive-date=September 15, 2018 |url-status=live}} was interested in reopening the Parachute Jump.{{cite news |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34018580/ |first=Ken |last=McKenna |title=Coney Island: battered but unbowed, it still amuses |date=April 9, 1976 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |access-date=July 18, 2019 |page=53 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930004119/https://www.newspapers.com/article/34018580/ |url-status=live}} Kaufman was evicted from the site in 1981, ending discussion of that plan.{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/08/29/nyregion/beleaguered-coney-islanders-rally-with-sense-affection-talk-coney-island.html |title=Beleaguered Coney Islanders Rally With Sense of Affection; The Talk of Coney Island |last=Campbell |first=Colin |date=August 29, 1981 |website=The New York Times |access-date=September 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916060313/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/08/29/nyregion/beleaguered-coney-islanders-rally-with-sense-affection-talk-coney-island.html |archive-date=September 16, 2018 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28804609/ |title=A plan to bring back Coney Island |last=Mirabella |first=Alan |date=June 2, 1985 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |access-date=February 24, 2019 |page=311 |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108150411/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28804609/a-plan-to-bring-back-coney-island/ |url-status=live}}

= Landmark status =

After it was abandoned, the jump became a haunt for teenagers and young adults to climb, while the base became covered with graffiti.{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/08/20/nyregion/the-talk-of-coney-island-at-coney-i-symbols-of-heyday-fading-away.html |title=The Talk of Coney Island; at Coney I., Symbols of Heyday Fading Away |last=Chira |first=Susan |date=August 20, 1983 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719143431/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/08/20/nyregion/the-talk-of-coney-island-at-coney-i-symbols-of-heyday-fading-away.html |archive-date=July 19, 2019 |url-status=live}} Despite its deterioration, it remained a focal point of the community; according to local legend, the tower could be seen from up to {{Convert|30|mi|km|abbr=}} away.{{cite news |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34019168/ |title=Coney Island landmarks? |last=Farrell |first=Bill |date=July 16, 1987 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |access-date=July 18, 2019 |page=189 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930004117/https://www.newspapers.com/article/34019168/ |url-status=live}} Organizations such as the Coney Island Chamber of Commerce and the Gravesend Historical Society decided to save the structure,{{cite news |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34018876/ |title=Those in Favor, Appeal to Golden |date=September 28, 1977 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |access-date=July 18, 2019 |page=519 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930004115/https://www.newspapers.com/article/34018876/ |url-status=live}} though the LPC could not consider such a designation unless NYC Parks indicated it was not interested in developing the Parachute Jump site as a park. On July 12, 1977, the LPC designated the tower as a city landmark.{{Cite news |date=1977-07-13 |title=Metropolitan Briefs |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/07/13/archives/metropolitan-briefs-air-quality-debated-tower-named-landmark-new.html |access-date=2022-10-15 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016182801/https://www.nytimes.com/1977/07/13/archives/metropolitan-briefs-air-quality-debated-tower-named-landmark-new.html |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Miele |first=Alfred |date=1977-07-13 |title=Coney Parachute a Landmark |page=282 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111327647/coney-parachute-a-landmarkalfred-miele/ |access-date=2022-10-15}} When the designation was presented to the New York City Board of Estimate three months later, the board declined to certify the landmark designation. NYC Parks had said the structure would cost $10,000 a year to maintain.{{harvnb|Harrison|1983|p=10}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|p=1209}}{{cite news |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34018090/ |first=John |last=Toscano |title=Nix Landmark Status for Coney Parachute |date=October 21, 1977 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |access-date=July 18, 2019 |page=520 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930004118/https://www.newspapers.com/article/34018090/ |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/10/21/archives/parachute-jump-at-coney-island-loses-chance-of-landmark-status.html |title=Parachute Jump at Coney Island Loses Chance of Landmark Status |date=October 21, 1977 |website=The New York Times |access-date=September 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915192601/https://www.nytimes.com/1977/10/21/archives/parachute-jump-at-coney-island-loses-chance-of-landmark-status.html |archive-date=September 15, 2018 |url-status=live}} Despite the city's reluctance to designate the structure as a landmark, the Parachute Jump was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

File:Coney Island KeySpan Park-4.jpg

The city government questioned the tower's safety. A 1982 survey concluded the tower would need a $500,000 renovation to stabilize the ground underneath (equivalent to ${{inflation|index=US|value=0.5|start_year=1982|fmt=c|r=1}}{{nbsp}}million in {{inflation-year|US}}) and another $1 million to restore it to operating condition (about ${{inflation|index=US|value=1|start_year=1982|fmt=c|r=1}}{{nbsp}}million in {{inflation-year|US}}).{{cite news |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34019688/ |title=Parachute ride up in air |last=Diamond |first=Randy |date=June 15, 1983 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |access-date=July 18, 2019 |page=98 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930004123/https://www.newspapers.com/article/34019688/ |url-status=live}} The survey estimated it would cost at least $300,000 to demolish the structure ({{inflation|index=US|value=300000|start_year=1982|fmt=eq|r=-3}}), making demolition too costly an option. The cheapest option, simply maintaining the structure, would have cost $10,000 a year ({{inflation|index=US|value=10000|start_year=1982|fmt=eq|r=-3}}).{{sfn|Harrison|1983|p=10}} The local community board recommended that the Parachute Jump be demolished if it could not be fixed, but NYC Parks commissioner Henry Stern said in January 1984 that his department had "decided to let it stand".{{Cite news |last=Rothstein |first=Mervyn |date=1984-01-01 |title=Follow-Up on the News: Parachute Jump |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/01/01/nyregion/follow-up-on-the-news-148236.html |access-date=2021-07-03 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709210601/https://www.nytimes.com/1984/01/01/nyregion/follow-up-on-the-news-148236.html |url-status=live}}

Stern dismissed the possibility of making the Parachute Jump operational again, calling it a "totally useless structure" and saying that even the Eiffel Tower had a restaurant. Stern said he welcomed the community's proposals for reusing the Parachute Jump but other agency officials said the plans presented thus far, which included turning the jump into a giant windmill, were "quixotic, at best". In the mid-1980s, restaurant mogul Horace Bullard proposed rebuilding Steeplechase Park;{{sfn|DeSena|Shortell|2012|p=150}} his plans included making the Parachute Jump operational again.{{cite news |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34019595/ |title=Holy Coney! Hey, that's not chicken feed he's betting on Steeplechase |last=Moritz |first=Owen |date=August 18, 1985 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |access-date=July 18, 2019 |page=4 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930004124/https://www.newspapers.com/article/34019595/ |url-status=live}} At the time, the Parachute Jump was described as a "symbol of despair" because no real effort had been made to restore or clean up the structure.{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/05/29/nyregion/coney-i-symbol-of-fun-is-now-one-of-despair.html |title=Coney I.: Symbol of Fun Is Now One of Despair |last=Freedman |first=Samuel G. |date=May 29, 1986 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719143434/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/05/29/nyregion/coney-i-symbol-of-fun-is-now-one-of-despair.html |archive-date=July 19, 2019 |url-status=live}}

In 1987, the LPC hosted meetings to determine the feasibility of granting landmark status to the Parachute Jump, Wonder Wheel, and Coney Island Cyclone. Two years later, on May 23, 1989, the LPC restored city landmark status to the Parachute Jump.{{Cite web |url=https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2016/05/11/coney-island-landmarks-present-and-we-hope-future/ |first=Lore |last=Croghan |title=Coney Island landmarks, present and (we hope) future |date=May 11, 2016 |website=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |language=en-US |access-date=February 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711133828/https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2016/05/11/coney-island-landmarks-present-and-we-hope-future/ |archive-date=July 11, 2019 |url-status=live}} Following this, the Board of Estimate granted permission for Bullard to develop his amusement park on the Steeplechase site, including reopening the Parachute Jump.{{cite news |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34019938/ |title=A Steeplechase clears barriers |last=Fitzgerald |first=Owen |date=May 24, 1989 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |access-date=July 18, 2019 |page=7 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930004124/https://www.newspapers.com/article/34019938/ |url-status=live}} These plans were delayed because of a lack of funds.{{cite news |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34048890/ |first=Ken |last=Auletta |title=Coney dreamer taken for a roller coaster ride |date=September 6, 1992 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |access-date=July 18, 2019 |page=370 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930004623/https://www.newspapers.com/article/34048890/ |url-status=live}}

= Restorations and lighting =

In 1991, the city government announced an {{US$|800000|1991|long=no|round=-2}} expenditure to prevent the jump from collapsing, though there was insufficient funding in the city budget.{{cite news |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34048849/ |first1=David |last1=Hardy |first2=Joel |last2=Siegel |title=Parachute Jump 800G fix as fiscal structure flounders |date=May 8, 1991 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |access-date=July 18, 2019 |page=5 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930004623/https://www.newspapers.com/article/34048849/ |url-status=live}} The city government stabilized the structure in 1993 and painted it in its original colors, although the structure still suffered from rust in the salt air.{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/07/04/style/find-of-the-week-10-inches-of-chills-and-thrills.html |title=Find of the Week; 10 Inches of Chills And Thrills |date=July 4, 1993 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720121525/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/07/04/style/find-of-the-week-10-inches-of-chills-and-thrills.html |archive-date=July 20, 2019 |url-status=live}} The thrill-ride company Intamin was enlisted to determine whether the Parachute Jump could again be made operational.{{Cite web |url=https://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/29/reviving-a-coney-island-ride-ready-set-jump/ |title=Reviving a Coney Island Ride: Ready, Set, Jump! |last=Mooney |first=Jake |date=February 29, 2008 |website=The New York Times: City Room |language=en-US |access-date=July 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719193756/https://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/29/reviving-a-coney-island-ride-ready-set-jump/ |archive-date=July 19, 2019 |url-status=live}} Bullard's redevelopment plan clashed with another proposal that would build a sports arena, such as a minor-league baseball stadium, on the site.{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/06/05/nyregion/broad-redevelopment-is-urged-for-coney-island.html |title=Broad Redevelopment Is Urged for Coney Island |last=Rangel |first=Jesus |date=June 5, 1987 |work=The New York Times |access-date=February 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224231701/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/06/05/nyregion/broad-redevelopment-is-urged-for-coney-island.html |archive-date=February 24, 2019 |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |title=The Business of Bringing Baseball Back to Brooklyn |last=Arena |first=Salvatore |date=April 26, 1987 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28807554/ 1], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28807722/ 8–9]}} The Bullard deal was negated in 1994,{{sfn|DeSena|Shortell|2012|p=150}} and the site directly north of the Parachute Jump was developed into a sports stadium, KeySpan Park,{{efn|KeySpan Park became MCU Park in 2010{{cite news |url=http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/33/6/33_06_sb_keyspan_is_dead.html |title=Lights Out at Keyspan Park as Naming Rights Deal Ends |last=Brown |first=Stephen |date=January 29, 2010 |newspaper=The Brooklyn Paper |access-date=January 31, 2010 |archive-date=November 16, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116210731/http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/33/6/33_06_sb_keyspan_is_dead.html |url-status=live}} and Maimonides Park in 2021.{{cite web |last=DeJesus |first=Jaime |title=Goodbye MCU Park, hello Maimonides Park in Coney |website=The Brooklyn Home Reporter |date=May 20, 2021 |url=https://brooklynreporter.com/2021/05/goodbye-mcu-park-hello-maimonides-park-in-coney/ |access-date=June 22, 2022 |archive-date=July 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220708073431/https://brooklynreporter.com/2021/05/goodbye-mcu-park-hello-maimonides-park-in-coney/ |url-status=live}}}} which opened in 2000.{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/26/sports/sports-of-the-times-summer-rite-returns-to-borough-of-churches.html |title=Sports of The Times; Summer Rite Returns To Borough of Churches |last=Vecsey |first=George |date=June 26, 2001 |website=The New York Times |access-date=February 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190225044942/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/26/sports/sports-of-the-times-summer-rite-returns-to-borough-of-churches.html |archive-date=February 25, 2019 |url-status=live}}

The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) assumed responsibility for the tower in 2000. Originally, the city government wanted to reopen it as a functioning ride.{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/13/nyregion/fyi-331902.html |title=F.y.i. |last=Boland |first=Ed Jr. |date=October 13, 2002 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720123038/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/13/nyregion/fyi-331902.html |archive-date=July 20, 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Polner |first=Robert |date=5 Apr 2000 |title=Ballpark Price Balloons to $30M / Critics: Coney Island stadium too costly |work=Newsday |page=A06 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279325241}}}} The project was originally budgeted at {{US$|3000000|2000|long=no|round=-2}},{{cite news |last=Lombardi |first=Frank |date=5 Apr 2000 |title=Ballpark Plan Tag's Now 60m |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |page=1 |id={{ProQuest|313767779}}}} but the cost ultimately increased to {{US$|20000000|2000|long=no|round=-2}}, excluding the high insurance premiums that would need to be paid on the attraction. Because the cost of bringing the jump to safety standards would have been excessively high, the renovation was abandoned.

== 2002 restoration and first lighting project ==

File:Parachute Jump Coney Island Night.jpg

In 2002, the EDC started renovating the Parachute Jump for $5 million.{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/16/nyregion/neighborhood-report-coney-island-nickel-empire-longs-recapture-its-seedy-glory.html |title=Neighborhood Report: Coney Island; The Nickel Empire Longs To Recapture Its Seedy Glory |last=Lee |first=Denny |date=June 16, 2002 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720121520/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/16/nyregion/neighborhood-report-coney-island-nickel-empire-longs-recapture-its-seedy-glory.html |archive-date=July 20, 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Farrell |first=Bill |date=27 Sep 2002 |title=Parachute Jump for Joy! Fixup is Planned |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |page=2 |id={{ProQuest|305722880}}}} The NYCEDC contracted engineering firm STV to rehabilitate the structure. The upper part of the tower was dismantled, about two-thirds of the original structure was taken down, some of it replaced, and the structure was painted red.{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/16/nyregion/following-up.html |title=Following Up |last=Fried |first=Joseph P. |date=November 16, 2003 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720121539/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/16/nyregion/following-up.html |archive-date=July 20, 2019 |url-status=live}} The restoration was completed around July 2003.{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/29/nyregion/thecity/famed-for-whats-up-above-fixing-whats-down-below.html |title=Famed for What's Up Above, Fixing What's Down Below |last=Mooney |first=Jake |date=May 29, 2005 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720121517/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/29/nyregion/thecity/famed-for-whats-up-above-fixing-whats-down-below.html |archive-date=July 20, 2019 |url-status=live}} Upon the completion of the project, Brooklyn borough president Marty Markowitz started studying proposals to reuse or reopen the structure. In 2004, STV subcontracted Leni Schwendinger Light Projects to develop a night-time lighting concept for the Parachute Jump.{{sfn|New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission|Dolkart|Postal|2009|pp=280–281}} Schwendinger contracted Phoster Industries for the LED portion of the lighting project. Markowitz's office, NYC Parks, the NYCEDC, Schwendinger, and STV collaborated for two years on the project, which cost $1.45 million.{{Cite web |url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/31/7/31_07_marty_pimp_my_ride.html |date=February 16, 2008 |title=Marty: Pimp my ride! |last=Rubinstein |first=Dana |website=Brooklyn Paper |language=en |access-date=July 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718221441/https://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/31/7/31_07_marty_pimp_my_ride.html |archive-date=July 18, 2019 |url-status=live}}

The Coney Island Development Corporation and the Van Alen Institute held an architecture contest in 2004 to determine future uses for the {{convert|7800|sqft|adj=on}} pavilion at the jump's base.{{Cite web |url=https://gothamist.com/2004/12/08/coney_island_parachute_pavilion_design_competition.php |title=Coney Island Parachute Pavilion Design Competition |date=December 8, 2004 |website=Gothamist |language=en |access-date=July 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720120002/https://gothamist.com/2004/12/08/coney_island_parachute_pavilion_design_competition.php |archive-date=July 20, 2019}}{{cite news |date=10 Nov 2004 |title=Beloved Parachute Jump to get a lift |work=Newsday |page=A18 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279898936}} |agency=The Associated Press}} More than 800 competitors from 46 countries participated.{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/21/arts/design/leaps-of-imagination-for-the-parachute-jump.html |title=Leaps of Imagination for the Parachute Jump |last=Chan |first=Sewell |date=July 21, 2005 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709185442/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/21/arts/design/leaps-of-imagination-for-the-parachute-jump.html |archive-date=July 9, 2019 |url-status=live}} The results were announced the following year; there were one winning team, two runners-up with cash prizes, and nine honorable mentions. The winning design outlined a bowtie-shaped pavilion with lighting and an all-season activity center, which included a souvenir shop, restaurant, bar, and exhibition space.{{Cite web |url=https://www.vanalen.org/projects/the-parachute-pavilion-an-open-design-competition-for-coney-island/ |title=The Parachute Pavilion: An Open Design Competition for Coney Island |website=Van Alen Institute |language=en-US |access-date=July 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720120009/https://www.vanalen.org/projects/the-parachute-pavilion-an-open-design-competition-for-coney-island/ |archive-date=July 20, 2019 |url-status=live |date=2004 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |url=https://www.nycedc.com/press-release/coney-island-development-corporation-and-van-alen-institute-announce-winners-parachute |title=Coney Island Development Corporation and Van Alen Institute Announce Winners of Parachute Pavilion Design Competition |publisher=New York City Economic Development Corporation |language=en |access-date=July 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720120011/https://www.nycedc.com/press-release/coney-island-development-corporation-and-van-alen-institute-announce-winners-parachute |archive-date=July 20, 2019 |date=May 26, 2005}}

The first night-time light show was held on July 7, 2006.{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/08/nyregion/08parachute.html |title=Flower of a Tower Is Relighted in Coney Island |last=Newman |first=Andy |date=July 8, 2006 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719193757/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/08/nyregion/08parachute.html |archive-date=July 19, 2019 |url-status=live}} The installation contained six animations and used most colors except for green, which would not have been visible on the tower's red frame. The animations were based on events in the local calendar, including the boardwalk's operating and non-operating seasons, the lunar cycle, the Coney Island Mermaid Parade, and national holidays such as Memorial Day and Labor Day. There is also a sequence called "Kaleidoscope" for other holidays.{{cite web |url=https://architizer.com/projects/coney-island-parachute-jump/ |title=Coney Island Parachute Jump |date=July 7, 2006 |website=Architizer |access-date=July 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718221026/https://architizer.com/projects/coney-island-parachute-jump/ |archive-date=July 18, 2019 |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |first=Tricia |last=Vita |title=Illuminating the Jump: A Conversation with Leni Schwendinger |website=Metropolis |date=July 31, 2006 |url=https://www.metropolismag.com/cities/illuminating-the-jump-a-conversation-with-leni-schwendinger/ |access-date=December 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204024234/https://www.metropolismag.com/cities/illuminating-the-jump-a-conversation-with-leni-schwendinger/ |archive-date=December 4, 2019 |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/jump-start |title=Jump start – Things to Do |last=Cohen |first=Billie |date=January 27, 2016 |website=Time Out New York |access-date=July 18, 2019 |archive-date=December 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230005520/https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/jump-start |url-status=live}} Officials said the lights were to be left on from dusk to midnight during summer and from dusk to 11:00 p.m. the rest of the year.{{cite web |url=http://www.brooklyn-usa.org/Press/2006/jun21.htm |title=BP Markowitz To Light Historic Coney Island Parachute Jump |date=July 16, 2006 |publisher=Office of the Brooklyn Borough President |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060716220431/http://www.brooklyn-usa.org/Press/2006/jun21.htm |archive-date=July 16, 2006 |access-date=July 18, 2019}} In observance of the "Lights Out New York" initiative, which sought to reduce bird deaths from light pollution, the tower lighting went dark at 11:00 p.m. during the bird migratory seasons.{{cite web |url=http://www.nycaudubon.org/lights-out-new-york |title=Lights Out NY Program |website=New York City Audubon |access-date=July 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718221015/http://www.nycaudubon.org/lights-out-new-york |archive-date=July 18, 2019 |url-status=live}}

== 2013 restoration and second lighting project ==

Although Markowitz was initially satisfied with Schwendinger's light installation, by 2007 he was referring to her installation as "Phase I" of a multi-portion lighting upgrade. In February 2008, the city began planning a second phase of lights.{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/02/nyregion/thecity/02disp.html |title=The Boardwalk and the Bling |last=Mooney |first=Jake |date=March 2, 2008 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719193748/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/02/nyregion/thecity/02disp.html |archive-date=July 19, 2019 |url-status=live}} Anti-climbing devices were installed on the Parachute Jump in 2010 after several instances of people scaling the structure, and the lights were temporarily turned off in 2011 because of a lack of maintenance.{{Cite web |url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/34/27/all_parachutedark_2011_7_8_bk.html |title=The Parachute Ride goes black – wasting the city's spruce-up effort |last=Rush |first=Alex |website=Brooklyn Paper |language=en |date=July 1, 2011 |access-date=July 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718221020/https://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/34/27/all_parachutedark_2011_7_8_bk.html |archive-date=July 18, 2019 |url-status=live}} Concurrently, starting in 2011, the {{convert|2.2|acre|adj=on}} site around the tower was redeveloped as Steeplechase Plaza.{{Cite web |last=Durkin |first=Erin |title=City breaks ground on Coney Island's Steeplechase Plaza, set to house historic B&B Carousel |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brooklyn/city-breaks-ground-coney-island-steeplechase-plaza-set-house-historic-b-b-carousel-article-1.975855 |date=November 10, 2011 |access-date=August 11, 2020 |website=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |archive-date=June 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618185307/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brooklyn/city-breaks-ground-coney-island-steeplechase-plaza-set-house-historic-b-b-carousel-article-1.975855 |url-status=live}}

A $2 million renovation was completed in 2013, after which it contained 8,000 LED lights, in comparison with the 450 total after the first installation.{{cite web |url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/36/26/bn_bb_parachutelighting_2013_06_28_bk.html |first=Will |last=Bredderman |title=Here's the bling: New, brighter lights for Parachute Jump |date=June 28, 2013 |website=Brooklyn Paper |access-date=July 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720014940/https://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/36/26/bn_bb_parachutelighting_2013_06_28_bk.html |archive-date=July 20, 2019 |url-status=live}} The B&B Carousell, an early-20th-century carousel that had become part of Luna Park, was relocated to Steeplechase Plaza east of the Parachute Jump in 2013.{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/26/nyregion/bb-carousell-horses-return-home-to-coney-island.html |title=B&B Carousell Horses Return Home to Coney Island |last=Foderaro |first=Lisa W. |date=May 24, 2013 |website=The New York Times |access-date=July 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731160613/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/26/nyregion/bb-carousell-horses-return-home-to-coney-island.html |archive-date=July 31, 2018 |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |url=https://www.brooklyndaily.com/stories/2013/22/all_coneysback_2013_06_01_bk.html |first=Will |last=Bredderman |title=Coney Island Is Back in Business! |date=June 1, 2013 |website=Brooklyn Daily |access-date=July 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731153735/https://www.brooklyndaily.com/stories/2013/22/all_coneysback_2013_06_01_bk.html |archive-date=July 31, 2018 |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |url=http://brooklyn.ny1.com/content/news/182669/historic-coney-island-carousel-spins-once-again |title=Historic Coney Island Carousel Spins Once Again |last=Simon |first=Stephanie |date=May 24, 2013 |work=NY1 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140312093433/http://brooklyn.ny1.com/content/news/182669/historic-coney-island-carousel-spins-once-again |archive-date=March 12, 2014}} The tower was lit up for its first New Year's Eve Ball drop at the end of 2014,{{cite web |url=http://brooklyn.news12.com/news/coney-island-parachute-jump-to-have-own-new-year-s-eve-ball-drop-1.9726511 |title=Coney Island Parachute Jump to have own New Year's Eve ball drop |date=December 18, 2014 |work=News 12 Brooklyn |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402111936/http://brooklyn.news12.com/news/coney-island-parachute-jump-to-have-own-new-year-s-eve-ball-drop-1.9726511 |archive-date=April 2, 2015}} and since then, the Parachute Jump has been lit for New Year's Eve each year.{{Cite web |url=https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2018/12/20/coney-island-to-welcome-2019-with-fireworks-carousel-rides/ |first=Paula |last=Katinas |title=Coney Island to welcome 2019 with fireworks, carousel rides |date=December 20, 2018 |website=Brooklyn Eagle |language=en-US |access-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722160406/https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2018/12/20/coney-island-to-welcome-2019-with-fireworks-carousel-rides/ |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |url-status=live}} The Parachute Jump has also been lit up in recognition of special causes, such as World Autism Awareness Day{{Cite web |url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/42/14/bn-coney-island-parachute-jump-autism-awareness-2019-04-05-bk.html |title=Coney Islanders light Parachute Jump blue for World Autism Awareness Day |last=McShane |first=Julianne |website=Brooklyn Paper |language=en |date=April 4, 2019 |access-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722160415/https://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/42/14/bn-coney-island-parachute-jump-autism-awareness-2019-04-05-bk.html |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |url-status=live}} and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month,{{Cite web |url=https://brooklynreporter.com/2018/09/coney-island-parachute-jump-lights-t-e-a-l-for-ovarian-cancer-awareness-month/ |title=Coney Island Parachute Jump Lights T.E.A.L. for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month |last=McGoldrick |first=Meaghan |date=September 5, 2018 |website=The Brooklyn Home Reporter |language=en-US |access-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722160411/https://brooklynreporter.com/2018/09/coney-island-parachute-jump-lights-t-e-a-l-for-ovarian-cancer-awareness-month/ |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |url-status=live}} as well as to commemorate notable personalities, such as happened after the 2020 death of retired NBA basketball player Kobe Bryant.{{cite web |url=https://brooklynreporter.com/2020/01/coney-island-pays-tribute-to-kobe-bryant/ |title=Coney Island pays tribute to Kobe Bryant |last=DeJesus |first=Jaime |date=January 31, 2020 |website=The Brooklyn Home Reporter |access-date=March 6, 2020 |archive-date=March 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331204319/https://brooklynreporter.com/2020/01/coney-island-pays-tribute-to-kobe-bryant/ |url-status=live}}

Impact

When the Parachute Jump opened at the World's Fair, the Daily Times of Mamaroneck, New York, regarded the attraction as one of several "touches of the bizarre" at the fair.{{Cite news |date=1939-04-27 |title=Oddities to Awe Throngs at Fair |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-times-oddities-to-awe-throngs/152674035/ |access-date=2024-08-05 |work=The Daily Times |pages=12}} Because of its shape, the Parachute Jump has been nicknamed the "Eiffel Tower of Brooklyn".{{sfn|National Park Service|1980|p=2}} The New York Daily News compared the structure to an Erector Set toy in 1955, and another reporter for the same newspaper said in 2002 that the jump was "a rusting monument to the glory days of Coney Island". A writer for City Journal said that the structure resembled a mushroom.{{Cite web |last=Frigand |first=Sid |date=December 23, 2015 |title=Coney Island Memories |url=https://www.city-journal.org/html/coney-island-memories-12594.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410135152/https://www.city-journal.org/html/coney-island-memories-12594.html |archive-date=April 10, 2023 |access-date=August 11, 2020 |website=City Journal |language=en}} Several works of media, such as Little Fugitive (1953), have also been filmed at the Parachute Jump.{{cite web |date=July 10, 2006 |title=Movie Shot at Coney Island List |url=https://www.westland.net/coneyisland/articles/movielist.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728221527/https://www.westland.net/coneyisland/articles/movielist.htm |archive-date=July 28, 2020 |access-date=August 11, 2020 |website=Coney Island}}

References

= Notes =

=Citations=

= Sources =

{{cite report |first=David M. |last=Breiner |editor-first=Nancy |editor-last=Goeschel |date=May 23, 1989 |title=The Parachute Jump |publisher=New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission |url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1638.pdf |access-date=July 18, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-date=February 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226111313/http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1638.pdf}}
{{cite book |title=The World in Brooklyn: Gentrification, Immigration, and Ethnic Politics in a Global City |first1=Judith N. |last1=DeSena |first2=Timothy |last2=Shortell |publisher=Lexington Books |year=2012 |isbn=978-0-7391-6670-3 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S-YNs4ih1FUC |access-date=July 19, 2019 |archive-date=May 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507155913/https://books.google.com/books?id=S-YNs4ih1FUC |url-status=live}}
{{cite nycland}}
{{cite book |title=A history of the parachute jump, Coney Island, New York |last=Harrison |first=Helen A. |date=1983 |type=Report |publisher=Harrison, Hardesty & Hanover Engineers}}
{{cite report |title=Historic Structures Report: Parachute Jump |series=National Register of Historic Places |url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/lz/electronic-records/rg-079/NPS_NY/80002645.pdf |date=February 29, 1980 |publisher=National Park Service |ref={{harvid|National Park Service|1980}} |access-date=December 4, 2019 |archive-date=November 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125170835/https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/lz/electronic-records/rg-079/NPS_NY/80002645.pdf |url-status=live}}
{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i4POVzmwY9cC |title=Coney Island: the people's playground |last=Immerso |first=Michael |publisher=Rutgers University Press |year=2002 |isbn=978-0-8135-3138-0 |edition=illustrated |access-date=July 17, 2019 |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112000841/https://books.google.com/books?id=i4POVzmwY9cC |url-status=live}}
{{Cite Hidden Waters NYC}}
{{Cite book |title=The outdoor amusement industry: from earliest times to the present |last=Mangels |first=William F. |date=1952 |publisher=Vantage Press |oclc=17654058}}
{{cite book |last=McCullough |first=Edo |title=Good Old Coney Island: A Sentimental Journey Into the Past: the Most Rambunctious, Scandalous, Rapscallion, Splendiferous, Pugnacious, Spectacular, Illustrious, Prodigious, Frolicsome Island on Earth |publisher=Fordham University Press |year=2000 |isbn=978-0-8232-1997-1 |url=https://archive.org/details/goodoldconeyisla0000mccu |url-access=registration}}
{{Cite book |title=Official guide book of the New York World's Fair, 1939 |date=1939 |publisher=Exposition Publications |oclc=575567 |editor-last=Monaghan |editor-first=Frank}}
{{Cite New York 2000}}
{{Cite New York 1930}}
{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=20TBYI5K46oC |title=New York's 1939–1940 World's Fair |last=Wood |first=Andrew F. |publisher=Arcadia Publishing |year=2004 |isbn=978-0-7385-3585-2 |access-date=January 16, 2020 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930004622/https://books.google.com/books?id=20TBYI5K46oC |url-status=live}}

External links

[https://www.coneyislandhistory.org/oral-history-archive/filter/Parachute-Jump Oral histories about the Parachute Jump collected by the Coney Island History Project]
{{cite web |title=New York World's Fair 1939–1940 records |publisher=New York Public Library |url=https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/collections/new-york-worlds-fair-1939-1940-records#/?tab=navigation&roots=6:b1838fb0-c532-012f-ee4d-58d385a7bc34/b2adb010-c532-012f-eafe-58d385a7bc34/2:db630b60-c532-012f-1884-58d385a7bc34/9:90696b80-c533-012f-c8d0-58d385a7bc34/4:94ce3d40-c534-012f-a9ba-58d385a7bc34/4:adee8e50-c534-012f-217c-58d385a7bc34 |access-date=December 9, 2019 |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710183755/https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/collections/new-york-worlds-fair-1939-1940-records#/?tab=navigation&roots=6:b1838fb0-c532-012f-ee4d-58d385a7bc34/b2adb010-c532-012f-eafe-58d385a7bc34/2:db630b60-c532-012f-1884-58d385a7bc34/9:90696b80-c533-012f-c8d0-58d385a7bc34/4:94ce3d40-c534-012f-a9ba-58d385a7bc34/4:adee8e50-c534-012f-217c-58d385a7bc34 |url-status=dead }}
{{HAER |survey=NY-344 |id=ny2045 |title=Coney Island, Parachute Jump, Coney Island, Kings County, NY |color=4 |cap=1}}

{{Subject bar|portal1=National Register of Historic Places|portal2=New York City|portal3=United States|commons=Category:Parachute Jump}}

Category:1939 establishments in New York City

Category:1930s architecture in the United States

Category:1939 New York World's Fair

Category:Amusement rides introduced in 1939

Category:Buildings and structures on the National Register of Historic Places in New York City

Category:Coney Island

Category:Cultural history of New York City

Category:Historic American Engineering Record in New York City

Category:National Register of Historic Places in Brooklyn

Category:New York City Designated Landmarks in Brooklyn

Category:Parachute towers