Parachute Jump

Parachute Jump is a steel tower standing approximately 250 feet tall with twelve cantilever arms at its top that once supported parachutes for descent rides. The structure displays early twentieth-century amusement park engineering with sturdy steel beams and mechanical systems designed to control the rides.

The tower was built in 1939 for the New York World's Fair and relocated to Coney Island in 1941, where it operated until the 1960s. The move to Brooklyn reflects how amusement park facilities shifted locations and became part of the city's leisure history.

The tower was a gathering place for families and a symbol of the amusement park culture that thrived at Coney Island. Visitors came not just for the ride itself, but to be part of a vibrant entertainment scene that defined the waterfront during its heyday.

The tower stands as a landmark today and can be viewed from the outside, especially impressive when exploring the old Steeplechase Park grounds. The best views come from the boardwalk, where the full structure is visible and its scale becomes clear.

The tower was sponsored by the Life Savers candy company during its first season, decorated with large candy-shaped ornaments and used as an advertising display. This sponsorship approach was one of the early attempts to integrate brands directly into amusement park experiences.

Location: Brooklyn

GPS coordinates: 40.57297,-73.98439

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:07