The historic Golden Gate Park carousel might get some more face-time with the kids if the city can find an acceptable private company to run it.
The Recreation and Parks Commission will vote Thursday to decide if the City should seek proposals from private companies to run the carousel and a neighboring kiosk. If approved, the carousel would run every day of the year. Now, the carousal is run by the city and operates seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It runs Friday-Sunday the rest of the year.
An empty kiosk near the carousel is the sticking point. The City wants a family-style eatery to accompany the carousel and entice park visitors, according to Rec and Parks.
This particular carousel was built in 1912 and is the park’s third. Initially powered solely by steam, it spun continuously for 65 years before suffering a mechanical failure in 1977. It was renovated, and eventually upgraded by PG&E to use an electric motor.
The Recreation and Parks Commission will meet at 4 p.m. on Thursday to discuss the issue, and could approve a request for proposals.
