Miller Park Zoo carousel under repair this summer

Posted on April 4, 2024

*^{The restoration process will take up to 6 months according to Zoo Director Jay Pratte. He spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)}*

By Jake Fogal

BLOOMINGTON – The iconic Miller Park Zoo carousel is getting a facelift this summer.

After years of wear and tear, the Zoo is sending the carousel out of state to be restored, meaning the amusement ride will be out of commission for the summer.

The restoration process will take up to 6 months according to Zoo Director Jay Pratte. He spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller.

“From day one when I got here, I walked the grounds and would look at that carousel. At the time, the top hadn’t been removed yet. It was tattered and blowing in the wind. It was faded and a lot of the animals paint was cracked. It is one of those things I wanted to understand how we could do better,” said Pratte.

The carousel will be sent off in May to be restored, with the total repair cost totaling about $150,000.

“They will dismantle and remove the carousel. They will take it off site and fully and professionally restore it, and then it’s going to take about six months, and they will bring it back and reinstall it for us.”

“It is going to come back better than ever. It will be pretty, and safe and will match more closely with the qualities and aesthetic that I would want us to project,” Pratte said.

Pratte added the Zoo is looking to add an attraction in place of the carousel this summer.

Jake Fogal can be reached at [email protected].

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