Richland Carrousel Park Celebrates 34 Years of Timeless Joy

On Saturday, the Richland Carrousel Park in Mansfield commemorated its 34th anniversary, drawing families and visitors to celebrate this cherished local treasure.

Among the attendees was Denise Kroger, a handler with the Ohio Special Response Team, accompanied by her 4-year-old cadaver dog, Falcon. Kroger shared her personal connection to the park, expressing, "I came out because I love the carousel. I think it is absolutely wonderful that we still have a historic carousel." Despite residing in West Salem, she frequently visits Mansfield to experience the carousel's enduring charm.

The celebration featured a variety of activities for all ages. Children adorned the sidewalks with colorful chalk drawings, while families engaged in classic yard games like horseshoes and corn hole. Inside the park, guests enjoyed offerings from local vendors, including Two Cousins Pizza, hot dogs, brats, nachos, Dippin’ Dots, cookies, and refreshing lemonade from Lanie’s Lemons truck.

A highlight of the event was the appearance by Reptile Adventures, which introduced attendees to an array of reptiles such as snakes, lizards, and tortoises. The interactive experience elicited excitement, with one young visitor exclaiming, "I love him!" while petting a snake.

The Mansfield Richland County Public Library contributed to the festivities by assisting children in creating paper robots, while the Mansfield Police Department showcased their newest therapy canine team member, Charlie, a Mini Goldendoodle.

Reflecting on the day's events, Kroger remarked, "It’s like I am still a kid at heart." Her sentiment echoed the atmosphere of the celebration, where attendees of all ages gathered to honor the park's 34 years of bringing joy to the community.