MNN - Mother Nature Network

Nestled deep in the Adirondack Mountains, Saranac Lake is a hidden treasure.

 

In William Morris Park, on the corner of Bloomingdale Avenue and Depot Street, volunteers have been working hard to make the Adirondack Carousel a reality.

 

Ground broke on the project June 20, 2011 and people haven't looked back since. The goals of the project are to strengthen the economy and the sense of community while promoting arts, education and entertainment. Built from scratch, the carousel will truly be a majestic sight once completed. Using only one horse, the 24 animals featured on the carousel are all hand carved, native to the Adirondacks, and have all the qualities of their real life counterparts.

 

What makes the animals so special, apart from their beautiful design, is their names. Each animal was given a name by students in the Saranac Lake Central School District. Anyone who wants to ride the carousel can choose to ride Lucy the Loon or Moonlight the Bobcat, or from a variety of creatures in between. Pictured here is Red Storm, the Red Squirrel.

 

Additionally, this carousel offers a handicap-accessible chariot, reinforcing the fact that this project is a gift for everyone to enjoy.

 

Perhaps the key to this project's success is the group of volunteers who work tirelessly to build the carousel. In a community where local ties are already strong, a project like this enhances that feeling. Members of the community are welcomed to help however they can, whether that help be financial or donating time and labor. On January 12, 2012, workers put the last piece of exterior on the building. An opening date has yet to be set but when the Adirondack Carousel does open, merry times will surely be had by all.

 

Photo: Janelle Hoh