Albany Co. officials, Great Escape meet about future of Hoffman’s Playland
Posted: Aug 27, 2013 6:19 PM EST
NEWTONVILLE, N.Y. – David Hoffman, owner of Hoffman’s Playland says Albany County leaders met this week with Great Escape officials about the possibility of Six Flags taking over the family-friendly playland on Route 9 in Latham.
In June, a rumor about plans to close Hoffman’s Playland ignited an online movement to “save Hoffman’s.”
At the time, Hoffman told NEWS10 that there were no concrete plans of selling the family-friendly park and no offers on the table.
“It’s the only job I’ve had in my entire life,” he said.
County Executive Dan Mccoy says he recognizes the importance of Hoffman’s to the Capital Region, and he wants the landmark to stay, but notes that the final decision ultimately lies with the Hoffman’s.
In an effort to find a solution, Mccoy went straight to the owners of Six Flags Great Escape, calling it a “perfect marriage.”
“Imagine if they’re together. Imagine a season can pass you get so many things at Hoffman’s and admission to six flags,” he proposed.
“We’re excited about it because they have infrastructure and expertise to run operation like ours,” said Hoffman about the talks.
For many who visit Hoffman’s, it’s all about people bringing their kids to ride on the same rides they enjoyed as children.
Tricia Cupp and her two boys are regulars at the playland, and her experiences date back to the early 80s.
“Great, then when I had kids and it was early enough, I had to bring them here,” she said.
Talks are still in the early stages, and no agreements have been reached.
But for the Hoffman’s and the lifetime they’ve put into the playland and the generations of people who now support them, they say is just simply overwhelming.
“We’re just thrilled people want to preserve the park and we’re still making generations happy right now,” said Hoffman.
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