After nearly four years, children — and adults — were able to rush the Forest Park Carousel, choose their favorite horse and take a spin on the historic ride.
The Forest Park Carousel, shuttered since 2008, hosted St. John Evangelical Lutheran School students, politicians and civic leaders who fought to save the carousel to enjoy the first ride before it reopens to the public this weekend.
“It went real fast,” said Jason, 6. “It was a lot of fun.”
It wasn’t just the youngsters that enjoyed themselves.
Mary Ann Carey, district manager of Community Board 9, who had ridden the carousel as a child and fought to have it reopened in the late 80s hopped on board with the kids.
“It was great,” Carey said. “I enjoyed it very much. The children loved it.”
After years of civic groups campaigning, the Parks Department announced earlier this month that New York Carousel would operate and reopen the 109-year-old ride.
“When a community speaks out in one voice and they are heard and the result of their speaking out is seen, that’s a perfect snapshot of how government should work,” said Senator Joe Addabbo.
Addabbo added he is excited to bring his daughters, Alexis and Arianna, to the same ride he once visited with his father as a child.
“I cannot wait for this weekend to be here with my two girls and be standing beside them riding this carousel.”
The carousel will be open to the public on Saturday, May 26 at 11 a.m.
