Western Playland, Amusement park in Sunland Park, United States
Western Playland is a 25-acre amusement park in Sunland Park, New Mexico. Its blue steel roller coaster track, held up by white steel columns and cross-bracing, rises into a steep lift hill on the left and a large vertical loop near the top right, then drops into lower curves. The structure stands on bare ground behind a low metal fence, with a blue mechanical lift in front.
Western Playland opened in 1960 in Ascarate Park in El Paso, Texas. After conflicts with El Paso County, owner Pat Thompson moved the park to Sunland Park, New Mexico, in 2006, on land donated by the owner of the Sunland Park Casino across from his casino.
The park's name and its El Bandido coaster refer to the borderland setting; El Bandido means "the bandit" in Spanish. Rides such as The Hurricane, Tsunami and Pharaoh's Fury carry disaster and desert themes. The park moved from El Paso to Sunland Park in 2006 after conflicts with El Paso County.
The park has seasonal hours that vary throughout the year, so it is helpful to check when it is open before visiting. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and protect themselves from the sun, especially on hot days.
Western Playland moved from El Paso's Ascarate Park to Sunland Park in 2006 after owner Pat Thompson fell into conflict with El Paso County; the land across from Sunland Park Casino was donated by the casino's owner. The Hurricane and Tsunami are among the rides named in park listings.
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