Newark Military Park Carousel Reopens With Free Rides
The Military Park carousel, stopped for seven years, is running again with free rides through the end of 2026.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Theme Parks
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Newark's Military Park carousel has reopened to the public after seven years out of service, and rides are free through the end of 2026. A public celebration marked the reopening on October 23.
Why it matters
The carousel stopped running over a yearly cost in the six figures and a dispute over who would pay to keep it operating. Its return gives Newark residents a restored public attraction at no cost to riders or taxpayers.
The carousel has 16 hand-carved wooden horses and was out of service for seven years before reopening. Its long-term funding beyond the free-ride period through 2026 has not been detailed.
The players
Newark City Parks Foundation
The Newark City Parks Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 2021 that is paying for the carousel's free-ride period.
Ray Chambers
Ray Chambers is the donor who gave $450,000 to build the Military Park carousel when it first opened in 2016.
The details
An anonymous donor is covering labor, insurance, cleaning, and upkeep, while the Newark City Parks Foundation is paying for the free-ride period, and no public money is going toward the ride. The carousel first opened in 2016 as part of a park makeover and is open Thursdays and Fridays from 3 to 8 p.m. and weekends from noon to 8 p.m.
Timeline
2016: The carousel first opened as part of a park makeover.
2021: The Newark City Parks Foundation was founded.
October 23, 2026: A public celebration marked the carousel's reopening at 51 Park Place.
End of 2026: The free-ride period is scheduled to end.
Historical Context
The Newark carousel joins a line of restored historic carousels from the same builder, including the 116-year-old Dr. Floyd L. Moreland Carousel now running in Seaside Heights. Builders in Marion, Ohio, have made roughly one new carousel every two years, keeping traditional craftsmanship in operation.
Riders can visit free through the end of 2026, with Thursday and Friday hours from 3 to 8 p.m. and weekend hours from noon to 8 p.m. Visitors should plan trips within the free-ride window before paid operation could begin.
The takeaway
Free public attractions can be revived when private donors and nonprofit partners cover recurring costs that public budgets cannot. Check the operating hours before visiting, since the schedule differs between weekdays and weekends.
What happens next
Free rides are scheduled to end at the close of 2026, when the carousel's funding arrangement is set to change.
Further reading
Explore more about Theme Parks in the travel section for context on attractions like this carousel.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WMTR AM.
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