Ross Park Carousel Faces New Delays Before Reopening

The effort to put the historic carousel at Binghamton's Ross Park back into service has encountered another unexpected hurdle.

The 60 horses and two chariots on the beloved ride at the recreation area on on the city's South Side were removed in November 2022. They were transported to a company in Connecticut as part of a $2.1 million restoration project.

Planning for a full rehabilitation of the carousel started nearly two decades ago. The project was held up for a time because the state Historic Preservation Office refused to approve the city's original plans for the work.

FLASHBACK: The Ross Park carousel in operation in 2017. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

At one point, there was hope the carousel could be open to offer holiday rides last winter but that didn't happen.

Construction of the new enclosure for the merry-go-round has been completed but a new snag has developed.

FLASHBACK: A view above the construction site of the carousel enclosure being built at Ross Park in October 2025. (Photo: Procon Contracting)

Mayor Jared Kraham said the people doing the restoration work in Connecticut discovered there is a mechanical problem with the carousel's gear system.

The mayor said either an original part must be located or it will have to be "custom-fabricated." He said the city is working with the restoration company to complete what he described as "a complex project."

A glimpse inside the new carousel enclosure at Ross Park on May 8, 2026. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Kraham said some drainage work also is being done for the new carousel site, which is located at a higher spot in the park about 250 feet from where the ride previously was located.

Although there's no timetable for completion of the project, he said the plan "s "to have it functioning this year."

There's no estimate as to how expensive it might be to address the mechanical issue. The mayor said "I don't think cost is actually the main driver - it's the sourcing of replacement parts or the fabrication of (a) custom part."

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: A close-up look at the newly-constructed enclosure for Binghamton's Ross Park carousel.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @bobjoseph.bsky.social on Bluesky or @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.