Renovated & ready: Richland Carrousel Park reopens for families in Mansfield

MANSFIELD — Richland Carrousel Park is nearly 35 years older than Dawson Standridge.

But the 3-month-old took his first ever ride on the downtown Mansfield attraction as the Richland Carrousel Park on Thursday morning reopened its doors after major renovations.

In fact, freezing temperatures didn’t keep many families away as the carousel, which first opened in 1991, threw its doors open again.

Brooklyn Standridge, Dawson’s mom, was also joined by her daughter, her husband’s grandmother and nieces for the reopening celebration.

Standridge and her family stood outside bravely in the cold as they waited for the doors to re-open. The family usually visits the carousel about once a year, but the renovations gave them a reason to come out sooner.

“My husband’s grandma knew it was reopening today and messaged me last night, and we decided to come out,” Brooklyn Standridge said. “It looks really nice, and the kids had a blast.”

Renovation Details

Joyce Wells, CEO of Richland Carrousel Park, said many skilled hands played a role in the renovation effort, which began Dec. 29.

Brad Sweval handled the railing, a job that grew far more involved than expected. He scraped the entire surface, cleaned it thoroughly, applied primer, painted two blue coats and finished with a glaze.

Eric Tomlinson of All Around Carousels restored the carousel animals, sleighs and brass poles. Wells said the brass poles are a rare feature because most carousels no longer use them due to the upkeep they require.

“He sanded off the black coating and diamond-coated them to help prevent tarnishing,” Wells said.

The carousel staff will maintain the poles weekly by wiping them down with a microfiber cloth and a special cleanser Tomlinson provided.

“The animals are the same way,” Wells said. “They’ll still get wear and tear, but he put a pretty heavy glaze on them.”

Wells said the overall theme sticks to the classic red, white and blue colors. This was done in preparation for the Celebrate America 250 event, but she noted they will keep it with the theme through July 4.

Community support and celebrations ahead

While the carousel is reopened, Wells said there are still a few things in need of work. Being a non-profit organization, the park relies on help from the community.

One way to support the carousel is by “adopting a horse.” Wells said they have sold 14 so far, with all the money going toward restoration.

“They pick out which one they want, we take a picture, they can name it and a plaque is put on the deck by the front hooves,” she said.

Recently, Wells said she began adding more carousel-themed items to the gift shop. Carousels that move and light up are now available for purchase. When she first started selling them one at a time, she had no idea how popular they would become.

The park will also celebrate the renovations during the Celebrate America 250 event, scheduled for Jan. 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., though weather could force a change. If conditions don’t cooperate, organizers will move the celebration to Feb. 1.

The event will feature a special appearance by Uncle Sam, along with photo opportunities, $1 hot dogs, patriotic giveaways and more.

The Richland Carrousel Park will post updates on its Facebook page.

(More photos from the reopening of the Richland Carrousel Park. Credit: Hannah Martin)