Sunland Park’s Western Playland sold to new management

SUNLAND PARK, New Mexico -- Western Playland has been sold after over 60 years of being a business passed down through generations.

A spokesperson from Traders Village - the family-owned business based in Grand Prairie, Texas that acquired Western Playland - told ABC-7 about their plans to revitalize the amusement park.

On top of a makeover including landscaping and murals, Lee Ann Murray of Traders Village said Western Playland will have new rides, more food and drink options, concerts and other events.

"The plan is to make it more of a destination spot for people driving through that area. So we'll have what we call a flagship rollercoaster or ride," said Murray.

Murray said Traders Village will bring more jobs to Sunland Park, by attracting and hiring more people and supporting small businesses by allocating stalls for local vendors.

“Since 1960, my family has made Western Playland a family tradition of bringing fun and smiles to El Pasoans of all ages” said retiring owner Patrick Thomson. “I’m honored to have Traders Village continue the Western Playland tradition of serving family fun to the El Paso area.”

Western Playland is scheduled to reopen in in late February 2023 for the new season. For more information, visit westernplayland.com or tradersvillage.com