Central Park Carousel facts for kids
.jpg)
The Central Park Carousel is a super fun, old-fashioned ride in Central Park, Manhattan, New York City. It's officially called the Michael Friedsam Memorial Carousel. You can find it at the south end of the park, close to East 65th Street. This carousel is actually the fourth one to be built in this exact spot!
Contents
A Spin Through Time: The Carousel's History
The very first carousel here opened way back in 1871. It was quite unique because it was powered by a mule or horse! The animal would walk under the platform, and the operator would tap their foot to tell it when to start or stop.
Sadly, the next two carousels on this spot were destroyed by fires. One burned down in 1924, and another in 1950.
The Current Carousel
The carousel you see today is the fourth one in this location. It's considered a special "scenic landmark" by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. This amazing carousel was built in 1908 by two people named Solomon Stein and Harry Goldstein.
It wasn't always in Central Park, though! It first operated in a Coney Island trolley terminal in Brooklyn until the 1940s. Then, in 1951, it was moved to Central Park and given a new building around it. The carousel was later carefully fixed up and made beautiful again in 1990 by the Central Park Conservancy.
Changes in Management
For many years, different groups have managed the carousel. In 2010, a new company called The Trump Organization took over its operation. They also managed other fun spots nearby, like the Wollman Rink.
This company agreed to invest money in the carousel and pay a yearly fee to the city. They operated the carousel for several years. However, in January 2021, the mayor of New York City, Bill de Blasio, announced that the city would end its agreements with the Trump Organization. This decision was made because of events that happened at the United States Capitol the week before. The change in management for the carousel, along with other attractions, happened in February 2021.
What Makes the Carousel Special?
.jpg)
The Central Park Carousel is one of the biggest merry-go-rounds in the whole United States! It has 57 horses that were carved by hand. Fifty-two of these horses "jump" up and down, and five of them "stand" still. There are also two chariots you can ride in.
The carousel is usually open seven days a week, as long as the weather is good. About 250,000 people ride it every single year!
The Music of the Carousel
As you ride, you'll hear wonderful music from a special instrument called a Ruth & Sohn Model 33 Band Organ. This organ plays classic waltzes, marches, and polkas.
Originally, the organ used paper rolls to play its music. But in 2013, a modern computer system was added. This new system still plays the same great music, but it uses digital controls instead of the old paper rolls.
