Deal Near To Reopen Two Queens Carousels
The Forest Park and Flushing Meadows carousels may once again entertain children of all ages as early as this spring, as the Parks Department is reportedly nearing a deal with a new operator for both shuttered merry-go-rounds.
In an article published in the Feb. 24 New York Daily News, the Parks Department was quoted as stating that it had “received responsive proposals and will have more information once a proposal has been selected.” The agency expects that an operator will be in place to reopen the rides this spring/summer season.”
Speculation is that Zamperla USA-the operators of the Luna Park amusement park and the famous Cyclone roller-coaster in Coney Island- is the front-runner to secure the right to reopen and operate the Forest Park Carousel, located near the Seuffert Bandshell, and the Flushing Meadows Corona Park Carousel, which is adjacent to the Queens Zoo.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the carousels are included in a long-term contract to allow Zamperla USAto continue running Luna Park.
When contacted by the Times Newsweekly, a Parks Department spokesperson could not confirm the speculation about the carousel contracts, but would share information if and when a deal is reached with an operator to reopen the Forest Park and Flushing Meadows merry-gorounds.
Nevertheless, reports of the potential revitalization of the Forest Park Carousel were met with great optimism by City Council Member Elizabeth Crowley and Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association.
“I’m extremely pleased the Parks Department said it is ready to pick a new concessionaire to operate the Forest Park Carousel by this spring,” Crowley said in a statement. “With a proven vendor in place, I’m confident the carousel can once again become a great centerpiece and attraction for the park and neighborhood residents.”
“We are in favor of anything that gets the carousel not only up and running, but in a position to be maintained going into the future,” Wendell told the Times Newsweekly in a phone interview. “One of our fears has been that if it sits there laying dormant winter after winter, summer after summer, it’s going to start breaking down and fall apart.”
The WRBA president went on to note that the Forest Park Carousel’s reopening would mean something special to generations of residents in Woodhaven, Glendale, Ridgewood and surrounding communities who have taken a ride on the merry-goround or brought their children to enjoy it.
“It’s all part of everyone’s shared experience growing up in this area. It’s a shame that it’s been dormant for four years,” he added. “But the fact that this thing has been closed for so long, I think they’re going to get a real good turn out” once it reopens.
Brought to Queens in the 1970s from Massachusetts, the Forest Park Carousel is considered to be one of just two merry-go-rounds in the entire country still in operation which feature wooden horses and ornaments created by master carver Daniel Carl Muller. It has been closed since 2008 when the previous operator contracted by the Parks Department opted not to renew their agreement.
Film makers briefly reopened the carousel last year as part of their production, and local residents have been actively lobbying the Parks Department to reopen the ride for children of all ages to enjoy.
The Flushing Meadows Carousel was opened at the 1964-65 World’s Fair and is comprised of horses and ornaments from two merry-gorounds located in Coney Island and long-since closed.
