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Queens Gets Its Only Roller Coaster at Flushing Meadows Park

 A new amusement park opens in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.
Queens Gets New Roller Coaster
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QUEENS — Look out Brooklyn, Queens has its own Cyclone now — OK, a much smaller one.

As part of Family Forest, a new attraction in Flushing Meadow-Corona Park, kids can now ride a dragon-shaped rollercoaster, the only currently operating roller coaster in Queens, according to the Parks Department and the ride's operator.

“I would like us to be the first roller coaster every child in Queens ever rides,” said Ami Abramson, director of NY Carousel, which also operates Forest Park Carousel.

The coaster is one of four new rides the company added this year to the original carousel, which has been in the park since 1964. NY Carousel began operating the merry-go-round last year.

“They turned it into a real amusement park,” said Janice Melnick, an administrator at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.

Abramson said the other new attractions include Fantasy Frog Hopper, where kids ride to the top of a tower, Corona Choo Choo train, where children can ride the rails, and a circular track ride called Queens Himalaya.

The coaster, which can fit up to 10 people, has not yet been named, Abramson said.

The Flushing Meadows Carousel was created by using pieces from two historic carousels, the 1903 Feltman Carousel and 1908 Stubbman Carousel, according to the Parks Department.

Both were originally located in Coney Island and arrived in Flushing Meadows Corona Park for the 1964 World’s Fair.

"It's the first major upgrade of this site since 1968," said Abramson. “It’s a great place for families to spend time.”

Fantasy Forest is located is at 111th Street and 55th Avenue. The prices for the rides vary, starting at $1. A set of 50 tickets costs $38. For more information, go here.