Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park Makes It Into New York’s History

By NOS.3 Editorial Team | Photos courtesy of Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park

Brooklyn’s beloved Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park, home to the iconic 1920 Ferris wheel at Coney Island, has been officially added to the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry. The designation highlights the park’s century-long contribution to the city’s heritage, identity, and community life.

Established in 2020, the registry recognizes family-owned businesses operating in New York for over 50 years. For the Vourderis family, who bought the Wonder Wheel in 1983, the recognition is deeply personal. “It’s a labor of love, but it’s not a labor,” said co-owner D.J. Vourderis. “It’s a privilege to continue a piece of history.”

The Wonder Wheel itself, standing 15 stories tall and weighing 200 tons, has given more than 35 million rides with a perfect safety record. It was named a New York City landmark in 1989 and remains one of the most recognizable symbols of Coney Island. State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, who nominated the park, called the wheel “truly iconic,” noting that generations of families have traveled to Brooklyn to experience it.

The Vourderis family has kept the park alive, despite challenges ranging from Superstorm Sandy to COVID-19 closures. “Being closed for an entire season wiped us out,” recalled Dennis Vourderis. “But with the help of the city, we were able to extend our lease and keep going.”

Today, Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park stands as one of six Brooklyn businesses on the registry, with new legislation under discussion to offer historic businesses financial relief—particularly from property taxes.

As the park prepares to close for the 2025 season at the end of October, the family says the Wonder Wheel’s magic will be back in spring, just as it has been for more than a century. Or, as D.J. Vourderis put it: “Coney Island is a place where people from around the world stand side by side in line, their children smiling with mutual excitement. That’s what makes it great.”

Discover more at https://www.denoswonderwheel.com.