Round And Round And Round She Goes: Local Landmark Slated For Comeback

It was no Disney Land or Great Adventure; it wasn’t even Adventureland for that matter, but the old amusement park along Sunrise Highway in Baldwin held and still holds many fond memories and a special place in the hearts of many Long Islanders.

In fact, when Nunley’s closed down, it was like losing a friend and a part of local culture and history.

Now, its seems as if a local landmark will be getting a “second chance”, sort of. According to officials, Nunley’s Carousel, noted as a historic ride, may be placed on Museum Row at Mitchel Field.

And, the decision means an opportunity to refurbish the relic and strategically situate it between the Long Island Children’s Museum and the Cradle of Aviation Museum. Plus, it’s new home, amidst the East Garden City Complex is expected to boost attendance to the complex and museums. In fact, the site already attracts a reported 60,000 children monthly.

Currently the county has issued a request for proposals from various companies that are interested in restoring the carousel by December 2008.

Preliminary plans revolve around construction of a plaza, featuring an enclosure for the carousel and a food court.

But, that may mean the destruction f another historic landmark, a firehouse dating back to the Mitchel Field airport era, slated to potentially be knocked down to make more room. And, the hanger where the carousel is currently stored would also be demolished and/or possible refurbished in an effort to expand the Children’s Museum

And, while a location next to the Baldwin Historical Society Museum on Grand Avenue was also being considered, area officials note that placing it in the Mitchel Field area simply makes more sense, giving kids and their families more to look at and more to do.

However, officials do point out that they “do” plan on contributing to the project, to the tune of more than $400,00 in discretionary income (for the restoration), while the county has budgeted $1 million next year for the enclosure.

Plus, several schools have raised $2,000 each.

Nassau (County) acquired the carousel (built in 1912) back in 1998 for $854,400. The carousel was in operation at Nunley’s Amusement Park in Baldwin from 1940 until that time.