Carousels have a reputation for providing a magical ride to a dreamland that individuals of all ages can appreciate. This kind of unique enchantment comes to life at the Koret Children’s Quarter (formally the buy cheap lexapro online online Children’s Playground) in Golden Gate Park – with a collection of glossy characters that include a dragon, camel, giraffe, ostrich, tiger, and of course, horses. For a small fee, you can enjoy a ride on the carousel. Choosing your friendly guide is sometimes difficult, as there are plenty of colorfully-hued creatures that delight, such as frogs, dogs, roosters, and pigs. During your rounds, take time to look at the inside panels of the carousel and generic levitra discount cheap absorb the painted landscapes highlighting the Bay Area.
History of the Carousel at Golden Gate Park
It has been the tradition of one of the oldest children’s playgrounds in the United States to have a carousel as part of its environment. Since the canadian pharmacy cheap generic levitra playground opened in 1888, there have been three at Golden Gate Park. The current jewel that literally glistens in the park is a 1914 beauty built by the Herschell-Spillman Company.
At first, the carousel was powered by steam, but when PG&E offered to loan an electric motor to the park, officials gladly agreed to pay the remaining expenses. Leading a well-traveled life, the carousel appeared as one of the main sights at the 1939 World’s Fair on Treasure Island, and also entertained at amusement parks in Los Angeles and Portland.
The illustrious, original carousel showcased 62 animal figures, decorative benches, alluring picture panels, and even an organ. The Herschell-Spillman creation enjoyed a long, continuous run until 1977 when a mechanism failed to work. Dubbed mechanically deficient, as well as lacking its initial visual appeal, the original carousel was sent to a restoration team for repair.
Paint was removed and the surfaces received a facelift, as missing parts were carved anew. The animals received a proper paint job with a radiant palette of colors. A German band organ was also installed in the carousel, which fills the air with an audio kaleidoscope of pleasure. The reopening of the revamped carousel took place in 1984 and was well received by the public.
Today, many come from near and far just to experience a whirl on the historic Golden Gate Park carousel.
Contact Details
Address: The Golden Gate Park Carousel is found at 320 Bowling Green Drive, between John F. Kennedy Drive and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. This is adjacent to the Koret Children’s Quarter (playground) by the Sharon Building.
Phone: (415) 831-2700
Carousel Hours: The carousel is open on a daily basis from Memorial Day to Labor Day, as well as Friday through Sunday from the day after Labor Day through the best price on brand viagra day before Memorial Day. Year-round hours for carousel rides are 10 am to 4:30 pm – with the last ride for the day starting at 4:15 pm.
If you wish to reserve the picnic area adjacent to the carousel and playground, contact (415) 831-5500.
Carousel Ride Cost: Adults, ($2), children ages 6 to 12 years ($1 per ride), and children 5 and under are free when accompanied by a paying adult. Please note that children under 40″ in height must ride with a paying adult.
Parking: When paying a visit to the carousel at Golden Gate Park, keep in mind that parking is located east of Bowling Green Drive, which is by the lawn bowling building. You will not be able to park by the carousel or the Sharon Building.
Interesting Fact:
Since the carousel is such a historic wonder, the playground has become a popular place for event planning, such as parties and weddings, where food concession and other perks are offered.
Do you happen to have a link to their main site? (Golden Gate Park Carousel). Im not finding it.
Carousel rides! It brings me back such fond memories of when I was a child. I would love to take my kids to your park for a carousel ride. We will visit sometime soon.
I am the artist that headed the major restoration 1984 of the carrousel.I’m delighted that it’s still in excellent condition. For more images of the restoration and canadian cialis pills for sale information go to:
http://www.rubynewman.com/RubyNewmanFA/CarrouselRestorationHistoryGGPC.html
I’m going to be in the neighborhood tomorrow, and thought i’d stop by and see the buy generic viagra uk old carousel. I haven’t seen it in a while! I know my dad donated(or returned) one of the animals, back in the 80’s. Last time I saw that old cat, was in the airport(SFO), after, someone resored them.
THE TRAIN IS NO LONGER THERE!!! TALK ABOUT WHAT KIDS LOVE. YOU HAVE TO BE CRAZY TO THINK IT COULDN’T BE BROUGHT BACK!! THE” WE DON’T HAVE THE MONEY” EXCUSE, IS LAME. (DISGRACEFUL) BOTTOM LINE, REC AND PARK HAS OTHER PRIORITIES.
I took grandchildren to ride the classic carousel only to find the attendant was playing RAP MUSIC and other CLUB MUSIC!!! Not even traditional carousel music. He would not give me back my money nor would he change the music. He said someone else put the music on and he could not change it.
RIDICULOUS TO HEAR CLUB MUSIC AT THIS CAROUSEL!!!!
What happened to the band organ?? It’s wonderful to see the carousel in good condition, but what happens to the band organ? When did it fall into disrepair? Where is the figurine? When will you fix it?