Western Playland ‘Expects’ to Open in April

UPDATE: This article has been updated to show a change in opening date plans from March 13 to April 2, 2021.

For decades Western Playland reopening for the season has been one of the sure signs springtime in El Paso is right around the corner.

After a year of quarantines and closures that has been keeping entertainment venues in New Mexico closed since last March due to the coronavirus pandemic, a spring 2021 reopening for the Sunland Park, New Mexico attraction didn’t look very promising.

But soon after a surprise declaration from Gov. Grisham on Feb. 24 stating recreational facilities like amusement parks can now reopen, Western Playland announced it “expects” to crank up all the rides you know and love like El Bandido and the Tsunami on April 2, 2021, if everything falls into place as anticipated. Better start eating your broccoli, kids.

A post on its Facebook publicizing employment opportunities at the local attraction leads those who click on the link to a page on its website with the following “Coronavirus Update”:

The State of New Mexico will change its COVID-19 restrictions and we are expecting to open on April 2nd, 2021.

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Nothing else on its website has been updated since last year, but official word and more details are anticipated soon.

The homegrown amusement park features more than 25 rides and attractions, including 2 roller coasters, a water ride, and an assortment of kid-friendly rides. It's located at 249 Futurity Drive in Sunland Park, New Mexico.

Summer Job Opportunities - Western Playland Is Hiring

Although the park is currently closed until its reopening date, it stated on social media it is now accepting applications. According to the website, Western Playland hires more than 100 seasonal employees annually for dozens of positions. Prospective employees must be at least 16 years of age for jobs in operations, and at least 14 years of age for limited times and days.