“Lions, tigers and bears – oh my!” There are more than just impressively hand-carved and majestically painted horses in Richland Carrousel Park. The ride, which opened in 1991, features 52 elaborately crafted figures, including horses, bears, ostriches, cats, rabbits and a zebra, tiger, goat, lion and giraffe. The carrousel animals were carved mimicking the style of G.A. Dentzel, a famous carver from the early 1900s. The figures were brought to life by Mansfield’s Carrousel Works. When it opened, Richland Carrousel Park reportedly was the first, new, carved carrousel to be in operation in the United States since the 1930s.
Richland Carrousel Park is located at 75 N. Main St. in the Central Park District of Mansfield, and its music can be heard for blocks around the amusing establishment that offers much more than a simple ride. It is a place to make memories with friends and family and that is just what we did recently. My family and I were granted several rides on the carrousel to promote the attraction to the readers of Akron Ohio Moms. Even though we rode it four times, we still were left wanting to jump on again.
Each ride on the Richland Carrousel Park carrousel – which is housed inside a building full of tall windows – lasts four minutes. The outside animals and the sleighs stay stationary, while the other figures go up (quite high up) and down again. I thoroughly delighted in seeing my children’s faces light up as they sat on top the animals of their choosing. My husband and I could not help but smile as we took our turn on the ride, too. As we went around, we enjoyed the music coming from the Stinson Band Organ and the painted panels that adorn the top of the carrousel, all depicting scenes of Mansfield, past and present. When we were not riding, we were admiring the structure from the comfortable rocking chairs and benches that encircle the carrousel. I was impressed to discover the carrousel is handicap accessible. The ride’s chariots accommodate wheelchairs.
I found Richland Carrousel Park to be a wonderful location for group gatherings, especially birthday parties. In addition to the ride itself, the facility features a nice-sized gift shop. We browsed gift items, including children’s trinkets, Ohio made products and, of course, cute carrousel merchandise. I hope to return to Richland Carrousel Park with my children again on a warm afternoon to take advantage of the picnic tables around the exterior of the building.
Visit Richland Carrousel Park
Richland Carrousel Park is located about an hour from the Akron area. It is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday. Extended hours are offered during the summer months. The cost is $1 per ride; $5 for six rides or $35 for 50 rides.
Tell them you found them on AkronOhioMoms.com!
For more information visit www.richlandcarrousel.com or call 419-522-4223.
Richland Carrousel Park
75 N. Main Street
Mansfield, OH 44902
(419) 522-4223
This was not a paid post. My own opinions were used based on my perceptions and experience. Thank you to Richland Carrousel Park who provided the tickets for review.
