The Forest Park Carousel is celebrating its first full year as a New York City Landmark by getting a facelift. Over the wintertime all of the incandescent light bulbs of the carousel’s sweep arms were replaced by LED’s and the ride’s mirrors of the upper inner scenery panels, which were frosted over and showing their age, were swapped out for new, crystal clear pieces of glass.
“Who says that a carousel that dates back over 100 years can't go green and keep up with modern times?” said David Galst, Managing Director of NY Carousel Entertainment, the team responsible for keeping the historic Forest Park Carousel running. “The carousel looks better than ever.”
While there have been some changes, the Forest Park Carousel continues to have a strong family focus. “We are working to offer new options and make this the most unique birthday party venue in the city,” said Daeshawn Grimes, Site Manager at the Forest Park Carousel. “We know that children’s birthday parties in New York are not cheap endeavors, and we strive to offer parents an affordable and unique option. In addition, we are now on Instagram (fpcarousel) and throughout the season we will put some of our best family photos up there.”
The Forest Park Carousel is coming off of one of its best seasons ever. “The ride was really everywhere in 2013,” laughed Galst. “It was featured in USA Today, Fox News, Vanity Fair, and we capped off the season by becoming a New York City Landmark. We just cannot believe how far we have come in the two years since taking over the carousel’s operation and reopening this historic and beautiful ride to the public. I think everyone is in agreement that the Forest Park Carousel’s future has never been brighter.”
LED Lights- Fast Facts
- Staff replaced 270 bulbs (15 bulbs per sweep and 18 sweeps)
- The ride decreased its amperage by 23.625 Amps. The old, standard lights required 11 Watts and drew 24.75 Amps. The new LED lights require 0.5 Watts and draw 1.125 Amps!
- The new bulbs are a little brighter, but carousel staff chose LED’s that closest matched the light output of the incandescent bulbs so the ride continues to offer its classic look.
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About the Forest Park Carousel:
The Forest Park Carousel (www.ForestParkCarousel.com) is a legendary carousel carved by Daniel Mueller with: 3 rows of horses, 36 jumpers, 13 standers, 3 menagerie animals and 2 chariots. It runs in Forest Park in Queens, New York.
About NY Carousel:
NY Carousel is a private company that runs the Forest Park Carousel and the Flushing Meadows Carousel for the New York Parks Department. It consists of staff with decades of amusement park experience and a passion for providing great experiences for the families of New York City. Find out more at www.NYCarousel.com.
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