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Catch a ride on the restored carousel by the sea at Crandon Park. The historic carousel is at the heart of the new Family Amusement Center that includes an old-fashioned outdoor roller rink, dolphin-shaped splash fountain, and a host of marine play sculptures at the beachfront playground. In 1972, the Carousel and roller rink were locked up when the Crandon Zoo moved to South Dade. Left behind in the dark silence were the historic jumping horses, crafted of wood and molded aluminum in 1949 by the famous Allen Herschell Company.
Today, the Carousel swirls once again to the tunes of the soulful organ music that first filled the air more than a generation ago. The brightly painted horses recall the whimsy of a child's dream with their pictures of dancing dolphins, butterflies, and pirates painted onto their sides. With names like "Mercy," "Pretty Phoebe" and "Danny Boy," the horses also immortalize the volunteers who lovingly, painstakingly brought them back to life with fresh coats of paint and much imagination.
The amusement area is open weekends from 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. A birthday picnic shelter at the Amusement Area is also available for rentals. The carousel operates weekends and holidays only. Three rides for $2. For more information and directions, call the Crandon Park Beach office at 305-361-5421.
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