Prospect Park Carousel — Attraction in New York

What is a carousel? When it ceases to turn, as it has today, is it still a carousel? This is the question to which I sought an answer on today's traverse in the Park of Prospect. The carousel, otherwise known as a roundabout, a merry-go-round (perhaps purposely misleading to the dispositions of nauseous children), or a hurdy-gurdy, originated from 12th century Arabian (?) games known as carosellos, or "little wars" according to the Park of Bryant, but I do not know this Bryant so I leave it to the merit of the reader as to whether this definition ought to be trusted.

A selection of field notes: In other areas of the park I was burdened by the sight of many unaccompanied children who did not appear worried that they might be kidnapped. This is either exceedingly utopian or exceedingly dystopian, depending on the statistics. This was not the case by the carousel - coincidence? All the windows of the carousel were covered in a metallic material and grates, and I was unable to see inside. It begs to question, what do they have to hide? Some trees in the area were blooming, while others were still bare. What had stripped these trees of their innocence, I ask? In the upper corners of the hurdy-gurdy, there lay several windows around the octagonal walls. I have seen these windows before, on ancient battlements where the powers of strong countries were reduced to the killing of powerless men. If we are to grow as a global world, what are these bygone remnants to contribute? Caution tape was strung up to mark the boundaries of the carousel's land. Those who tried to walk through its openings were surprised to find themselves in a space as similar to that which they had just exited as any pebble is to a paperweight. It begs to question, why was the carousel so eager to protect its territory, if it has nothing to hide?

If the reader senses my mistrust of this social structure, it is only because of how often I was brought to parks in my younger years to travel through preemptive nostalgia on this circular horse farm, only to find that the animals had gone on strike. Such has it taken so long to overcome my fear of collective action, so passionately misaligned were the interests of the horses and mine.

Testimony in verse from an overzealous squirrel who claims to have lived in the area several winters: My grandmother of grandmothers of mine Before the advent of man in our world Had our games of spherical rendezvous And would spend hours or more with tails unfurled Running in chase, about each other's backs. Never catching up nor running down, yet Found ourselves close enough apart to fall Beside our competitors for banquet. Why sacrifice feasts to raise the game's stakes? Where'er the carousel turns, bellies ache.

The carousel was closed when I visited so I only thought it appropriate to give it a 5 star review because I don't really know whether lower or higher reviews will get it running again.

Actually, it's probably just closed...

July 29th a "BEAUTIFUL Sunday!" I waited 4 a friend 2 show up 4 Prospect Park's special events, while sitting on the park's benches, I saw ALL different races of children, CONSTANTLY, RUNNING 2 the FOOD STAND (unknown 2 me at that 🕛, "WHY" kids were flying over 2 the FOOD STAND) THERE WAS A LONNNNG LINE OUTSIDE WITH KIDS! UNTIL I 👀👀 A POP OF LIGHTS & 🎵🎶🎹 PLAYING WAS A 💘💝❤ 50-100 YR OLD CAROESAL🎠🎠🎠N PROSPECT PARK! I WAS SOOOO HAPPY 👀👀THE KIDS JETTING 2 GET A RIDE ON "MY CHILDHOOD DREAM, 2 RIDE" ON A CAROESAL🎠🎠 (unaffordable 4 my parents DURING MY CHILDHOOD,CAROESAL rides🎠🎠 costed 15-25.CENTS)! I PLANS 2 TAKE MY GRANDKIDS 2 FULLFILL "MY CHILDHOOD DREAM!" GUESS WHO CAN (SIT ON THE CAROESAL 🎠🎠🎶🎹🎵RIDE)??? YESSSS! PARENTS (ADULTS) I'm❤💝💘ING IT!!! THANKS "CAROESAL🎠" & P.PARK...

Located in the Park’s Children’s Corner, this historic Carousel has 53 magnificent horses ride, a lion, a giraffe, a deer and two dragon-pulled chariots. It was carved in 1912 by Charles Carmel. Such a sweet and fun thing to do on any day. Be sure to prepare your little one as there can be some wait times on the weekends but it’s never too long. The ride itself is about 3 mins I would say. With music and lights that creates a magical experience. You can also rent for private events such as birthdays. I believe it’s 475$ Monday thru Friday and then $575 Saturday and Sunday. It’s a little less if you choose not to be a private event. But it’s a great place to have a birthday celebration...