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Coney Island USA

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Coordinates: 40°34′31″N 73°58′47″W / 40.5753°N 73.9798°W / 40.5753; -73.9798
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Coney Island USA
Landmark building, once a Childs Restaurants branch
Map
Established1980
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Coordinates40°34′31″N 73°58′47″W / 40.5753°N 73.9798°W / 40.5753; -73.9798
TypeArt, cultural
FounderCosta Mantis, Jane Savitt-Tennen, Dick D. Zigun
Executive directorPatrick Wall
DirectorAdam Rinn, (artistic)
WebsiteOfficial website

Coney Island USA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit arts organization founded in 1980 that is dedicated to the cultural and economic revitalization of the Coney Island neighborhood of Brooklyn in New York City.[1][2]

Coney Island USA's headquarters building in the heart of Coney Island's amusement district houses a theater in which the organization presents "Sideshows by the Seashore", a showcase for performers with unusual talents that runs continuously during the warmer months, as well as the Coney Island Museum.

The Coney Island Museum features artifacts and memorabilia about the amusement park, beach and neighborhood's history and culture, as well as changing exhibits of art and culture. The museum is open seasonally.[3]

Coney Island USA is also notable as the organizer of the annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade, the first of which took place in 1983.[3][4][2]

Coney Island USA was founded in 1980 by Costa Mantis, Jane Savitt-Tennen and Dick D. Zigun. Over the years, Coney Island USA has been funded, in part, by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the New York Council for the Humanities, the Brooklyn Borough President, and New York City Council member Mark Treyger and others.[5]

In 2025, Coney Island USA joined the Coney Island History Project and other Coney Island community organizations in opposing the casino proposed by Thor Equities for Coney Island.[6][7][8] The Brooklyn Paper quoted Coney Island USA Executive Director Patrick Wall on the issue: “We’re asking for a giant fort to come and plop down on top of our entire amusement district across three blocks. That’s crazy! It’s going to keep people locked in, they’ve got food, they’ve got accommodations, they’ve got entertainment. They’re never going to come outside, they’re never going to give us money.”[9]

References

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  1. ^ Thornton, Claire. "'Coney Island stew': Mermaid Parade kicks off summer by embracing the weird". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2025-01-27.
  2. ^ a b Camille, Jada (2024-05-14). "Make way for the mermaids! Coney Island USA gears up for 42nd annual Mermaid Parade • Brooklyn Paper". www.brooklynpaper.com. Retrieved 2025-01-27.
  3. ^ a b "About Coney Island USA". Coney Island USA. Retrieved October 19, 2019.
  4. ^ "Declaration of Restrictive Covenant". New York City Department of Finance, Office of the City Register.
  5. ^ "About Coney Island USA | Coney Island USA". 2021-08-18. Archived from the original on 2021-08-18. Retrieved 2021-12-28.
  6. ^ jdelaney@siadvance.com, Jillian Delaney | (2025-01-26). "Coney Island casino hits major roadblock in development". silive. Retrieved 2025-01-27.
  7. ^ Hallum, Mark (2024-05-16). "Thor and Partners Release Scale of Coney Casino Proposal". Commercial Observer. Retrieved 2025-01-27.
  8. ^ Staff, Brooklyn Eagle (2025-01-22). "Coney Island History group fights against plans for casino". Brooklyn Eagle. Retrieved 2025-01-27.
  9. ^ Brendlen, Kirstyn (2025-01-24). "Coney Island community board votes against land use change for proposed casino • Brooklyn Paper". www.brooklynpaper.com. Retrieved 2025-01-27.
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