Rye Playland is expecting the Fourth of July to be its busiest day of the season, but some wonder if the death of an employee thrown from a ride Friday will affect attendance.

County officials say park worker Gabriela Garin, 21, died after falling out of the Mind Scrambler ride. Despite the tragedy, it seems patrons were filing in as usual Tuesday.

County officials say park attendance is up nearly 40 percent from the same time last year. That?s why Democratic Legislator Mike Kaplowitz thinks Playland should remain the only county-owned park in the nation.

However, many legislators say they think it is time to consider going private with the park. Republican Legislator George Orros says it?s not the function of a county government to run a park. ?We have liability issues...it's not making money. It's costing taxpayers money,? Orros said.

County officials are hoping for a huge turnout for fireworks at the park the next two nights. They also hope Garin?s death won?t affect the park?s bottom line.

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