Richland Carrousel Park
Richland Carrousel Park opened in 1991 and is the first new, hand-carved Carrousel to be built and operated in the United States since the 1930's. The centerpiece for redevelopment and restoration of the downtown area, it is a non-profit organization.
The 52 carrousel figures, carved in the style of D.A. Dentzel, were designed, carved and painted by Carrousel Works. There are 30 horses and 22 menagerie figures, including a mythological Hippocampus. Two Bronze horses guard the Main and Fourth entrance to the Carrousel. They were cast from old horses that came from a carrousel in the Philadelphia area.
The antique rounding boards, mirrors and mural frames add a special touch. the scenery panels depict past and present attractions in the area including Malabar Farm, Johnny Appleseed, Kingwood Center, Mid-Ohio Race Track and more.
Richland Carrousel Park is handicapped accessible. The horse in front of each chariot swivels and the chariot seat flips up to accommodate a wheel chair.
Visitors can ride the Carrousel, sit in a rocking chair, eat a box of popcorn, enjoy the Stinson Band Organ and the beauty of the animals and brass. The Carrousel is an indoor attraction but when the weather is nice the doors are opened and the music can be heard throughout the downtown.
The Carrousel gift shop features carousel items for the collector as well as Ohio and Mansifeld items and many inexpensive, fun toys for the kids.
The scenery panels atop the carrousel depict past and present attractions in Mansfield. Tridico Silk Screening in Mansfield painted the colorful, picturesque scenes. Represented on the 18 panels are: Malabar Farm; the old Richland County Courthouse; Johnny Appleseed; the Public Library; Kingwood Center; Oak Hill Cottage; famous author Louis Bromfield; Brigadier General Frank Purdy Lahm; Mid-Ohio Race Track; the old Roller Coaster from Mansfield's Casino Park; Lyons Falls; Vasbinder Fountain; the Central Park Bandstand; the Blockhouse; Snow Trails & Clear Fork ski areas; and Uncle Sam. A replica of a 1907 Dentzel panel and a sign stating our original low price of 50 cents per ride complete the collection.
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