george w. johnson park carousel

Free carousel rides on handcarved horses, what could be better? There was a delightful mix of kids and grownups from the neighborhood, the horses are respectfully repainted, there's a view of adjoining playgrounds and pool.

This merry-go-round is well-kept, free to ride, and in a nice enclosed building with windows that open, offering a nice breeze but also protection for the machine during off-season months. The carousel unfortunately no longer has its band organ, but uses authentic carousel recordings instead. The carousel is part of the "Carousel Circuit" encompassing 6 carousels in the Triple Cities of Binghamton, Endicott/Endwell and Johnson City. You get a ticket at each carousel you ride and when all six are collected you get a prize. The carousel is located in a park in an older, working class neighborhood that is home to the annual St. Anthony's Feast Days festival. The neighborhood features several Italian restaurants. The park is sunny and sprawling, with a pool, fields, a small outdoor stage, playing fields, etc. There is a parking lot adjacent to the carousel and concession building, otherwise on-street parking can be found on several nearby side-streets. This merry-go-round would be of interest to those interested in antique carousels, as well as to any child or person who is young at heart!

Neat and close to home. Normally not crowded and the kids love it...so do the grandkids.

As another reviewer explained, this is one of six working carousels in the region given by George F. Johnson (of Endicott Johnson Shoe fame). He donated all 6 years ago, and specified that no one should ever have to pay to ride them – and so it is today. If you have a 2-4 hours, work your way around and ride all 6, then get a button to show off your accomplishment. All located in parks (and one of them is near a zoo and a fun kiddy “storybook park” which little ones (and adults) will love). All have a sheet giving info on all six - locations and what not.IMPORTANT: do your research first – we went on a Saturday (homeward bound from Canada) and only found out by looking on web that at least 2 of the carousels were closed, and that two others opened at 10am and two others opened at 12. You can ride them in any order – you get a card after riding each one – then present the 6 cards at any of the carousels and get a button. In this case we only had to present 4 cards (since two were closed), but as luck had it, our forth carousel had run out of buttons – sooo…. Back to number three for buttons. Overall a fun time – kids (7, 10, and 13) all liked it. None of the carousels have rings to grab for – this would be a cool addition, but I am told it is more of a Coney Island Carousel thing.

One of six working carousels in the region given by George F. Johnson, this is a small 36 animal carousel. Patrons can ride for free. Located in the "Little Italy" section, the park has been renovated in 1999. This carousel was made in 1936 it is in very good condition. Carousel enthusiasts will enjoy the visit as will small children. This is one of the speedier carousels. There is also printed material available about this and the other carousels in the region.The carousel is in a small park with a playground for children. There is a large swimming pool near by and restrooms adjacent to the carousel. A nice ice cream shop is across the street for a cool treat.Each carousel in the circuit has a collectors card for riders. Collect all 6 and trade them in for a button. It is suggested to start with West Endicott Park carousel and work your way east, ending at the Ross Park carousel. You can get a special treat for your button at the carousel shop.

my name is joey pavia. i was born on the north side of endicott. raised on oak hill ave. 5 houses up from the park. the carousel(merry go round) was the centerpiece of the park. everyone rode it. it was beautiful then. it is beautiful now. the north side park and carousel(merry-go-round) go hand and hand. together they make for a beautiful place to visit and play. ----