Twenty-two years ago a centerpiece in downtown Mansfield was built. Richland Carrousel Park became the first new, hand-carved carrousel to be built and operated in the United States since the 1930’s. On Saturday, October 5 the park marked its 22nd birthday with an Anniversary Go-Round Celebration.
“This area has just thrived since this carrousel was built. It is now a more family friendly venue,”said Sharon Bishop, Co-Director of the Carrousel Park. Bishop shared memories of a time before the carrousel was conceived. Through the efforts of private donors and local business owners, the construction of the carrousel park began as part of a redevelopment and restoration project for the downtown area.
Bishop added,”We pride ourselves on the fact that the downtown area people have pulled together in such a way to make this such a family friendly place.”
In honor of the celebration and family oriented atmosphere the days activities included prizes given to riders every half hour. Animals were secretly picked at random on a rotating schedule and every half hour as the music stopped and a rider was on the chosen animal they received a prize.
The Carrousel grill offered hot dogs, brats, pop, chips, and cotton candy. Prizes ranged from silly putty and coloring books to various items from the gift store located in the carrousel park. Special discounts and prices were available throughout the day to patrons in the gift store.
“It’s a lot more than just a carrousel,”said Bishop.
The carrousel holds 30 horses and 22 menagerie figures that include four bears, four ostriches, four cats, four rabbits, a goat, giraffe, lion, tiger, zebra and a mythical hippocampus (part horse, part fish).
Richland Carrousel Park is on of the few carrousels that is handicapped accessible.
Bishop stated the carrousel has become a centerpiece for many family celebrations through the years, including weddings, birthday parties, graduation parties. Bishop added that there are special prices and discounts available for Girl Scout or Boy Scout troops, churches and schools. She urges those looking for a unique, family-friendly venue to celebrate a holiday or to create a tradition to call their,”friendly staff” and they would be happy to help you organize your event.
For more information visit info@richlandcarrousel.com or call 419-522-4223.
The developers of Richland Carrousel Park, led by John Fernyak, recruited Dan Seckel of Alexander-Seckel Architects of Mansfield to design the building, which was completed in April of 1991. They also recruited Carousel Work’s Art Ritchie to craft the hand-carved animals. Carousel Works is now located in Mansfield and crafted the 52 figures on the carrousel. That’s a story of its own.
A Stinson Band Organ made by the Stinson Pipe Organ Co. of Bellefontaine, OH provides the music that plays as the carrousel turns.
Tridico Silk Screening and Sign Co. of Mansfield painted the picturesque scenes on the 18 panels that adorn the carrousel. Much of the carrousel is a Mansfield project from the architect to the panels. Each panel depicts a local scene or hometown notable including Malabar Farm; the old Richland County Courthouse; Johnny Appleseed; the Public Library; Kingwood Center; Oak Hill Cottage; author Louis Bromfield; Brigadier General Frank Purdy Lahm; Mid-Ohio Race Track; the old Roller Coaster from Mansfield’s Casino Park; Lyons Falls; Vasbinder Fountain; the Central Park Bandstand; the Blockhouse; Snow Trails & Clear Fork ski areas. There are two exceptions, there’s also Uncle Sam and a replica of a 1907 sign citing the original 50 cent price for rides.
