Carol Ann’s Carousel at Smale Riverfront Park

Smale Riverfront Park will host nine ribbon cuttings in May and June, 2015. One of those ribbon cuttings will be for the spectacular Carol Ann’s Carousel.

Located along the Ohio riverfront and between Great American Ballpark and Paul Brown Stadium, this carousel is a true work of art. The carving and painting of the animals/characters and the creation and installation of the carousel was be done by Carousel Works (Mansfield, Ohio).

There are three rows of characters around the carousel; some move up and down while others remain stationery.

Each character within the carousel tells the story of a Cincinnati life or an aspect of Cincinnati history or culture.

As you might guess, the tiger above represents our hometown Bengals. Who Dey!

And the University of Cincinnati is well represented with a Bearcat.

This adorable giraffe represents our city’s downtown skyscrapers. It’s tough to see in my picture but his blue hat is actually the tiara from Great American Tower.

And the beauty above is a tribute to Willie Carden, director of Cincinnati Parks.

And it just wouldn’t be a Cincinnati carousel without a nod to Oktoberfest.

Bubbles is the Soap Opera horse. Oxydol, the first detergent of local Procter and Gamble, sponsored what would become known as “soap operas” – hence the name Bubbles. And don’t miss the Crosley radio there on the saddle.

Some of the characters are more whimsical.

Above all else, I think you’ll really enjoy seeing the murals that are included on the carousel. The Cincinnati paintings were all done by Jonathan Queen, a local artist. You might also know Jonathan from the mural he did on the side of the Kroger building downtown.

All around the top you’ll see scenes from various Cincinnati landmarks.

And along the inner section of the carousel you’ll find “framed” Cincinnati landmarks along with flying pigs. AMAZING!

The carousel is at home in a large glass enclosed space overlooking the Ohio River and the John Roebling bridge. It will be open year round.

Want to know more about the characters on the carousel? Head over to the Smale Riverfront Park website where you’ll find a  “Meet the Figures” page.

Carol Ann’s Carousel is located within Smale Riverfront Park.