Opening draws families to park to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities
The first Saturday in May means the Kentucky Derby for most but for Staten Islanders it means the Carousel in Willowbrook Park is open.
“It’s good for the children to get outdoors and enjoy the carousel” said Fred Schaseizer, SR Manager. “I can tell by their smiles, they only cry when they don’t want to get off”
The island themed carousel was built in 1999. The carousel has 51 hand carved wooden animals to ride along with Noah’s Ark and and a handicapped seat. The carousel includes depictions of 21 Staten Island landmarks including the historic Richmondtown Courthouse, Great Kills harbor and the Staten Island Ferry. The St. Bernard is an exact replica of from the long lost south beach carousel.
With two bells, flashing lights and the optimistic I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas playing the Carousel opened the season with Sevin Dogmus 4 aboard.
Video: Take a ride on the Carousel
“I am from Brooklyn and rode the merry-go-round at Nellie Bly” said Milay Dogmus Sevin’s mother. “I want my daughter to have those memories too”
There were plenty of other activities for toddlers to enjoy. The squeal of pigs and the crow of a rooster drew the children to a petting zoo and a finely dressed singing cat held youngsters memorized at the Puss in Boots puppet show. Both provided by the NYC Parks Department.
The park was added to the Greenbelt in 1984. The Greenbelt is a system of woodland parks with trails that cross Staten Island. Willowbrook Park includes tennis courts, baseball fields and a 5 acre man-made lake.
“We talked about bringing them to see the ducks” said Marcia Herrera, mother of Asher, 4 and Avery, 2. “Do you want to go for a carousel ride”
“It’s a Merry-go-round Mommy”, Asher said. “I want to ride a tiger”
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