1 year ago
45
Photo courtesy New Orleans City Park’s Facebook page.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, some of the first shutdowns were put in place to protect children. That meant places like Carousel Gardens Amusement Park in New Orleans City Park were hit hard by pandemic restrictions, and most faced a difficult road to recovery.
City Park Conservancy Director of Recreational Services Waymon Morris said park officials are hoping to reverse some of the lingering effects of the shutdowns this summer.
“We were hit hard with COVID, from day one,” Morris said. “Our children were our most vulnerable for a very, very long time, even after vaccines came out. No matter where you stand on that, we understood that our children were the most important thing.”
The once-dependable stream of school field trips dried up, Morris said, as schools first went virtual and then were slow to put children in close contact with one another. But that has started to change.
“Now, we have seen a dramatic increase,” he said. “Field trips were up this spring more than we could have ever forecasted. I think this summer will be the first time in maybe three years that we will see an uptick in business, and children playing again. You know, it makes my heart happy.”
In order to capture that expected wave of interest, Carousel Gardens is kicking off a “Swing into Summer” promotion this Memorial Day Weekend. All members of the U.S. military will get free admission to the Amusement Park and Storyland from Saturday, May 27, to Monday, May 29.
The offer extends to active, retired, veteran, reserve and National Guard members. Additionally, military members have the option to purchase up to six discounted tickets for their loved ones. Military members must book their tickets in advance and present valid U.S. military ID at the front gate.
Starting Wednesday, May 31, tickets to Carousel Gardens will be available at a reduced rate during the week as part of the “Summer Saver Days” promotion. Guests can experience the iconic Ladybug Rollercoaster, Umbrella Cars, Historic Wooden Carousel, City Park Train, and Storyland for $15. Weekends will feature the full slate of slides and rides for $25 per person and $15 for chaperone and senior.
Further discounts are available for Friends of City Park members, and admission is free for Carousel Gardens Season Passholders and people 3 feet tall and under.
“On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, Storyland is open, and we open some of the rides,” Morris said. “If you come on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, everything is open for one price. It’s $25 on the weekend, and you get Storyland and the amusement park, and everything is all included.”
Morris said that flat price has been extremely popular since it was introduced recently.
“Now, once you pay the price, you get to ride everything you want as much as you want,” he said. “That’s been a big highlight for everyone who comes in. When people hear that it’s one price and it’s all included, for parents, that is a little bit of relief. This is something you can really do with families, and you don’t have to worry about coming out of pocket for an exorbitant amount of money.”
r
English (US)