The Crescent Park Carousel was built in 1895 by Charles I.D. Looff, one of the earliest and foremost carousel designers. It is nationally recognized as a true masterpiece of wood sculpture. The carousel contains 62 beautifully hand carved figures and four fanciful chariots. Elaborate embellishments of decorative panels, beveled mirrors, faceted glass jewels, electric lights, colored sandwich glass windows and its original band organ music surround flying steeds to create Looff’s “Total Carousel Experience.”
Saved in the 1970’s by a handful of residents, the Crescent Park Carousel was placed on the National Register of Historic sites and places in 1976. In 1985, the Rhode Island General Assembly proclaimed the carousel as the State Jewel of American Folk Art and in 1987, the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, designated the carousel as a National Historic Landmark.
In the 116 years of operation, the ride rotated enough times to have gone around the Earth 33 times! With an annual average ridership of 100,000, the Crescent Park Carousel has had 11.6 million riders, and still counting. Their goal has always been and remains — to keep the carousel alive for generations to come.
The Crescent Park Carousel Preservation Association is dedicated to the continued restoration of the historic carousel, located at 700 Bullocks Point Avenue in Riverside, Rhode Island. The preservation is a 501c3 non-profit organization without the support and generosity of the community, this would not be possible. Located at 700 Bullocks Point Ave, Riverside, Rhode Island. Restore the Magic, Preserve the Tradition, Support the Carousel!
Donations can be sent to: Crescent Park Carousel Preservation Association, 145 Taunton Avenue, East Providence RI 02914.
