Photos by Rich Dionne
EAST PROVIDENCE — Some three years since the last ride was taken, the historic Charles D. Looff Carousel at Crescent Park reopened in recent weeks following the completion of the most recent and necessary remodeling measures were completed ensuring the literal stability and viability of the 100-plus year-old structure.
The carousel relaunched on Saturday, Aug. 5, with nearly 1,000 tickets sold to patrons. Last weekend, hundreds more patrons took a ride during the East Providence Art Council’s annual “The Looff” festival on and around the Crescent Park and Larisa Park grounds. City and carousel personnel said ride is 30 percent operational.
The actual foundation of the ride — 16 “helical piers” were reconfigured, installed and poured as were four supporting foundation piers — were in dire need of repair.
Specialists in the field from Geisser Engineering and Todd Goings of Carousels and Carvings along with the city-based New England Foundation and Stabilization Company performed design, development and construction over the last several years.
More renovations are planned this coming fall and winter which will allow more of the ride to be operational in the spring of 2023.
The Looff Carousel will be open each Saturday and Sunday through Columbus Day weekend from noon to 6 p.m. Tickets cost $2 per ride.
For more information on events planned at the carousel visit https://www.crescentparkcarousel.org.
— East Providence Post and eastbayri.com staff photographer Rich Dionne shot the accompanying gallery of photos.