The carousel, which opened in 2005, will be closed for at least three months. Photo provided
By Steve Plunkett
The carousel at Sugar Sand Park — popular with young children and grandchildren — is closed for at least three months while waiting for replacement metal poles to secure the horses and chariot benches.
Briann Harms, executive director of the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District, which operates the park, told district commissioners on Dec. 20 that “severe deterioration” was discovered the previous week “in a lot of the equipment and gearboxes” and she shut down the ride.
“We don’t have a quote … specifically on how much it’s going to cost, but we know it’s going to be a pretty healthy sum,” she said.
Commissioners authorized Harms to spend up to $100,000 for new parts and to issue a request for proposals for the actual repair work. Harms predicted that work could cost around $150,000.
“The carousel has been around since 2005, so it’s given us a lot of life,” she said.
The parts will take three months to arrive from the Wichita, Kansas, manufacturer and should add 10 to 15 years of use to the carousel, Harms said.
“A replacement carousel is anywhere from $1 million to $1.5 million,” she said.
Commissioners decided back in October to seek bids for a qualified person or firm to undertake restorative work and ongoing maintenance for the carousel. A consultant hired to develop the scope of the project found the ride was no longer safe.
The carousel, which normally operates every day, features 30 jumping horses and two wheelchair-accessible benches that look like chariots. Rides are $1 per person.
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