My father grew up in Hull, MA, a town known for two things: Nantasket Beach and Paragon Park. Paragon Park was a popular amusement park that was eventually torn down, but the park's carousel was preserved. When I was a little girl every time we would visit my grandparents I would beg to go ride the carousel after dinner. I would circle the whole platform to strategically pick my horse. Once the ride began to spin, each time I would frantically wave to my grandparents (who were safely on the ground) and each time I did so, they waved back like it was the first time they were seeing me. I have to admit, I am getting a little misty writing this!
Because I grew up on a carousel, I always notice them in other cities. I remember freaking out when I found one in Paris. So imagine my happiness to learn that we, the great people of Boston, are getting our own carousel!
The carousel I speak of is the newest addition to the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway. The carousel is located across from Christopher Columbus Park in the North End. Before it opened, I had the chance to come behind the construction tape with the Greenway team and the carousel's designer and sculptor, Jeff Briggs.
The Greenway carousel is extra special because all of the animals featured on the ride are native to New England. When Jeff began to dream up the concepts, he focused on the region's flora, fauna, sea and air. The team also assembled a focus group of children to hear which animals they'd like to see as part of the ride.
During the creation process the list of potential animals when from 30 down to 20 and eventually the team agreed on 14 local insects and animals to be brought to life.
There had to be a lobsters, of course.
There are also foxes, owls and butterflies. In fact, there are three kinds of butterflies. Jeff explained to me that the butterflies are all located in the third row with their wings up so that you can see them from the ground outside the ride.
Each and every piece of the Greenway carousel is custom made and will never be reproduced. The attention to detail is absolutely incredible.
As we walked around the perimeter of the ride, Jeff stressed the importance of movement in the design of the animals. As the carousel spins, it should look like the animals are in natural motion. All three rows of animals move as the ride spins, 6.5 inches up and down, the standard is typically 3 inches. That's a lot of extra oomph!
I particularly loved the whale, which appears to be blowing water straight up the handle pole!
When you get up close to each animal they look so real. I think kids are going to flip out when they hop onto the platform.
Of all the pieces of the ride, Jeff is most proud of the gondola. Though he has been in the carousel business for 30 years, he has never had the chance to make one. Before choosing the design of this particular piece he did extensive research.
Jeff decided to make a ship as a nod to Boston's maritime history. Wrapped around the ship is an oarfish, the source of many sea monster legends. Oarfish grow to be 55 feet long!
The gondola has three seats and rocks back and forth as the ride moves. I have no doubt kids will be fighting to sit in there!
Not only are the animals and the gondola stunning, but the attention to detail on the center of the ride is beautiful. I love the bright orange monarch butterflies and the bright blue swirling clouds at the top.
There are lights all along the outside and inside of the carousel. Jeff described, "The ride has theatrical lighting. It will actually dance to the music that is played along with the ride as it spins. We have a programmer creating a custom light show." How cool!
Before I left the private tour I asked Jeff if there was anything else he'd like my readers to know and he said, "On this project, everyone was at their zenith. There was no weak link. We are all really proud of what we've created here."
The great news is, the Greenway carousel is open and ready for visitors! Rides are $3 and the carousel will be open daily from 11:00am - 9:00pm through October, then open on weekends and holidays in November and December, including New Years Eve.
Jesse Brackenbury, COO of the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Conservancy, also informed me that they are considering adding food vendors to the carousel location, meaning you can munch while you spin. Does it get any better?
Have you been for a ride yet?
