3 minute read
CDA Carousel
A Local Field of Dreams
The Coeur d’Alene Carousel is fulfilling local kid’s dreams at every turn.
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By Laina Walkington
In the first season of being re-opened in 2017, the Carousel had over 22,000 riders.
Photo by AdventureBoundMedia.com
Whether you are two or ninety-two everyone enjoys a ride on a carousel.
The story of the Coeur d’Alene Carousel is one of my favorites to date and makes me proud to live in a town with such inspiring history.
The Carousel was hand carved in 1922 in North Tonawanda New York, by Spillman Engineering Co. It made a home and grew its roots in Coeur d’Alene from 1942- 1974. The carousel and its magical ponies resided at Playland Pier, now referred to as Independence Point. (The Coeur d’Alene Resort area.)
I remember when I first heard of the Carousel being refurbished and it coming home to Coeur d’Alene. I was so excited to experience it and see the beauty first hand. In our home, Santa also received the news and gave my girls riding tokens in their stockings Christmas of 2016. The anticipation grew, and our girls had to keep track of their tokens until they could later use them in 2017 when the Carousel re-opened.
As I stand between my girls as they ride the carousel, I feel incredible energy in the air. Maybe I am subconsciously exploring the history of where the ponies have been in their lifetime. They have traveled and found homes in Maine, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. With a little bit of vision, love for, and action, some community members brought the beloved merry-go-round home after being away for over 40 years.
The paintings were illustrated with inspirations from real photos.
Photo by AdventureBoundMedia.com
The ponies all have their original paint coat, and they were repaired with a clear coat to protect and preserve their beauty and the history.
Photo by AdventureBoundMedia.com
I recommend experiencing the carousel first hand as it has a magical aura, and so much beauty. It is a must! The lights, the music and the children’s laughter as they go up and down and around and around. You will see smiles and friendly waves and all ages come together to enjoy the ride.
We are in the making of more history today. The Coeur d’Alene Carousel Foundation Inc. is non-profit and has a volunteer board of directors that manages the carousel.
After being away for 40 years, the carousel is back.
Photo by AdventureBoundMedia.com
Numerous volunteers and the funding of our generous community support the operation through rides, donations, pony adoptions, tile floor etchings (still available) and more. Be a part of the history and contribute a piece of your story to the journey of this magical merry-go-round.
With a common unity, we have a community.
Riding the Carousel: Tokens $2 each One token to ride. For more information visit CDACarousel.com
When looking at where the refurbished carousel would be built, it was important to the city to put it as close as they could to its original location.
Photo by AdventureBoundMedia.com
It is now located at the Four Corners next to the Coeur d’Alene City Park. (439 W Fort Grounds Drive, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 on the corner of Northwest Blvd. & Government Way)
Photo by AdventureBoundMedia.com
