Carousel Proposal Project

Jul 29 2011 8:51 PM

Western Reserve Historical Society Collaborates on Rebuild of Historic Euclid Beach Park Carousel in its Cleveland, University Circle Complex.

Carousel slated to be operating by 2014

Main Entrance, Western Reserve Historical Society

Cleveland's Euclid Beach Park Carousel Society and Euclid Beach Park Now have proposed the partnership with Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS), which owns the nostalgic and valuable Carousel horses and chariots. The plan includes a $6 million fundraising campaign to rebuild the Carousel at WRHS and provide and endowment to ensure its operations.

"The proposal of The Carousel Society made a lot of sense to the WRHS Board and Staff," said WRHS President & CEO Gainor B. Davis. "So many Northeast Ohio residents, including those of us at WRHS, have wanted to see the Carousel up and operating again. Various proposals have been made over the years. This is the one we said 'yes' to because it is practical and ensures the Carousel's future."

WRHS President & CEO Gainor B. Davis, 06/30/2010 News Conference

The plan envisions The Carousel Society undertaking a six-year fundraising campaign with $2 million targeted for Carousel restoration and installation on the main floor of the WRHS University Circle Complex at East Boulevard and East 108th Street. The remaining $4 million would provide an endowment to support the Carousel.

The project produces long-term benefits to the neighborhood, city and region as well as WRHS: It creates another world-class destination point in University Circle; contributes to local and area economic development efforts; and provides a family-friendly activity at WRHS.

Proposed Location for the Euclid Beach Park Carousel

Placing the Carrousel in WRHS is the best choice, according to Carousel Society co-director Raymond Rackley. "With 2.5 million annual visitors to University Circle, we believe the Carrousel will be self-sustaining while contributing to the future of WRHS and the surrounding cultrual institutions".

Cleveland's Euclid Beach Park Carousel Society Co-Director Raymond Rackley

"It's all about providing for the future of the Carrousel while making it accessible to the public," said John Frato, president of Euclid Beach Park Now. "This plan offers financial and physical protection of the Carrousel, protects its history and provenance, and makes it acessible to people of all ages and abilities.

The plan envisions Carousel rides for $1 to $2, annual low-cost memberships allowing unlimited free use, and making the Carousel handicap-accessible. Preliminary plans also include placing the Carousel in a new glassed-in area of WRHS so passers-by may see it and enjoy if from the street.

Euclid Beach Park Now President John Frator

"This project is exaclty in line with the WRHS mission of sharing our Northeast Ohio past and drawing from it to build new memories, " Davis said. "this is just what WRHS wants and needs righ now: a project that puts a smile on people's faces."

Cleveland's Euclid Beach Park Carousel Society Co-Director Terry Kovel

EUCLID BEACH PARK CAROUSEL PROJECT - AT A GLANCE

The Euclid Beach Park Carousel project is a collaboration of Western Reserve Historical Society and Cleveland's Euclid Beach Park Carousel Society with support from Euclid Beach Park Now.

Project Vision:

To functionally restore the historic Euclid Beach Park Carousel, place it within the Western Reserve Historical Society University Circle Complex, and make it available for public use in a way that is self-sustaining and ensures its future financial and physical integrity.

Projected Cost: $6 million

$2 million for Carousel Restoration and Placement
$4 million for Endowment to support operations and maintenance

Projected Timeline:

Six-year project to complete all phases including fundraising for endowment

Fundraising: 2010 to 2016
WRHS Building Design/Construction: 2012/2013
Carousel Assembly: 2013/2014
Carousel Installation: 2014
Carousel Operations Open to Public: 2014
Endowment Fundraising Complete: 2016

Carousel Operations:

Single rides offered for $1 to $2
Annual Carousel Memberships for unlimited free rides
Private Party Rentals available