It’s finally here!
The highly anticipated Seaglass Carousel is finally open. And its AMAZING!
I’ve lived in lower Manhattan for 14 years, and for 14 years I have seen this structure, and Battery Park itself, sit in various stages of ruin. Empty for the longest time, I thought that this structure was to be removed for good. Then came rumors that it was to be a carousel. How exciting! What a wonderful addition to lower Manhattan! But then we waited….and waited… and waited… Fast forward to couple years later, the rumors became reality. The delays were over. There was a confirmation. It was finally happening, an opening date! I was thrilled. I never thought I’d see this day.
More than a ride, it felt like an official re-opening to the of the park itself. A celebratory cherry on top to the rebirth of lower Manhattan. We wanted to be part of such a momentous occasion for our community.
We. Had. To. Go.
Not alone in my excitement – Lil Kid was elated, and couldn’t stop talking about the carousel. We “checked” on the progress about once a week for the past few months. When the day arrived that is was open, he couldn’t contain his excitement.
So go we did. Lil Kid and I braved the tremendously long lines on opening day to take a swim with our new fishy friends in Battery Park. Lil Kid was elated. He couldn’t wait.
When I say long.. I mean long. We waited 4 1/2 hours. Yes, you read that correctly, 4 1/2 hours! With a toddler! A long story here, but it was simply a bit of bad luck on our part. An opening day mishap. A mistake.
Lil Kid with a Lollipop, playing in the rocks. We pulled out all the stops – anything to keep him occupied.
The line BEHIND me.
Alas, finally we made it to the carousel.
I use that term loosely, as the Seaglass carousel is less carousel and more Disney-esque ride.
Instead of horses they used incredible, intricate, iridescent fish. The fish were chosen to acknowledge Battery Park’s history of being the first home of the New York Aquarium (which closed in 1941). These amazing fish glow at night and twinkle against the sunlight, capturing a true underwater glow. Its quite a beautiful scene.
Even more – Instead of going around in a circular pattern like a typical carousel, the fish actually twist and turn with a up and down gliding motion as if they were swimming.
Lil Kid was mesmerized by their movement.
The carousel also plays “underwater” music and has a small light show as well. Such a complement to the entire experience. It was magical.
Lil Kid trying to decide which iridescent fish he wanted to ride. Blue, Green, Pink – he wanted to ride them all.
The sunlight twinkling against the fish.
Finally his turn to ride a fishy friend. Unfortunately, the above was short lived as they made Lil Kid ride on my lap due to his height.
On the carousel.
Enjoying our well earned fish ride.
We’ll be back again Seaglass.
Seaglass Carousel – Now Open
Battery Park City NYC
http://www.seaglasscarousel.nyc/
