Many are familiar with the thrill of going up and down, around and around on a merry-go-round.
Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington wants to keep that feeling alive through restoring its 22-year-old carousel. It needs repairs on its internal motor, sculpted animals and decorative overhead shell.
The Miller Park Zoological Society (MPZS) is aiming to raise $100,000 for the restoration. MPZS Development Director Paula Pratt noted that replacing the carousel entirely would cost over three times the cost of restoration.
“I would say 90% of the gifts that have been made currently toward the restoration of the carousel have been made by first-time donors to the Zoological Society, and it’s because of their connection to the carousel,” Pratt said.
While the aluminum animals will be restored to their original look, Pratt said it’s possible for the green-and-white decorative overhead shell to get a complete new look to better match the zoo’s brand and colors.
At the Zoological Society’s largest annual fundraising event, ZooDo Magic in the Wild, on Saturday, the group will have a “fund a need” portion of their auction designated to raise funds for the carousel restoration.
Pratt said through ZooDo Magic in the Wild, the society hopes to fundraise $25,000-$30,000 for the carousel project.
“We might be able to actually start construction on the project still this year,” Pratt said. “But it might not start until next year. We’d like to keep the carousel operating during our peak months. We anticipate that by spring next year, we will raise the funds needed for the carousel.”
The proceeds that are generated by the carousel go directly into their conservation fund. Pratt said that the carousel generates $30,000 annually for conservation work.
The Zoological Society wants to keep funds on-hand for any future carousel restoration and maintenance.
“We also want to establish a savings and a maintenance account for keeping the carousel, maintaining it over time,” Pratt said.
