The city of Chattanooga Parks and Recreation Department has reopened the 1894 Coolidge Park Carousel, located at 150 River Street in Historic Coolidge Park with new hours, a fresh look and more, while maintaining the overall beauty of the historic Carouse, officials said.
Over the last several weeks, crews from the parks department have freshened paint, especially handrails, performed work on interior machinery and gearing while also recoating wood decking. The automatic ticket machine was fined tuned and operational again.
New hours for the Vintage Coolidge Park Carousel have been established for winter and for the summer.
Summer hours- Memorial Day-Labor Day: Daily 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Winter Hours- Daily Noon-6 p.m.
Cost per ride remains at $1 for adults and children 2 and under free.
The 1894 Dentzel Carousel is a central feature in Coolidge Park. The antique carousel was restored by local master wood carver Bud Ellis and a devoted team of craftspeople and volunteers at his studio “Horsing Around” located near Chattanooga. The carousel provides a delightful old-fashioned experience with 52 whimsical hand carved animals, a calliope band organ, and ornate gold leaf benches.
The carousel is also available for birthday parties and family reunions. For reservations and more information call the city’s Call Center at 311 (For cell phones call 425-6311). Coolidge Park features a beautifully restored carousel, a pavilion, an interactive play fountain, and lots of open space. Coolidge Park is adjacent to local entertainment, art galleries, shops, and restaurants and serves as a venue for numerous civic events and festivals. It is part of the Tennessee River Park, a 15 mile long public greenway along the Tennessee River.