Playland's 280 acres were intended to be the jewel in the crown of Westchester's extensive park system. The County hired the award-winning firm of Walker and Gillette to design an Art Deco masterpiece. (As the only Art Deco amusement park in America, Playland is part of the National Register of Historic Places). Gilmore D. Clarke, the Westchester County Park Commission's head landscape architect, created manicured landscaping throughout the park. The original design included picnic areas, restaurants, three ice-skating rinks, swimming pool, two beaches totaling approximately 7,900 feet of shoreline, in addition to the thrilling amusement rides.