Daniel McBride, 50, started work as director and deputy parks commissioner. He replaced Joseph Montalto, who retired April 9.

McBride's salary will be $123,000 annually. He plans on changing the way the staff views the park, and he wants people to realize it is both a park with a beach and pool as well as an amusement park.

A child has died in each of the last two seasons, and McBride said safety is what comes first at the park.

He said safety manuals will be re-written, there will be additional training, and a system will be implemented allowing operators to only run rides they have been trained on.

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Visit Playland Park's official Web site here.

See also: Child dies on Playland Park boat ride.