Another group has surfaced with hopes of running the historic Forest Park Carousel, and this one has the backing of Assemblyman Michael Miller.
Independence Residences Inc., a service group for individuals with physical and mental disabilities, met with Miller and the Department of Parks and Recreation two weeks ago about taking over the carousel, which has been closed since 2008.
After the Parks Department rejected a third round of bids, Miller and IRI are going directly to the department before it asks for more proposals.
“We’re coming with a different approach, and I appreciate them having an open ear and giving the community the opportunity to make it happen,” Miller said.
Parks Department officials met with the assemblyman and Queens Community Board 10 on Nov. 1 to discuss the possibility, and although there’s nothing definitive, Miller is hopeful.
“Well, they didn’t reject it,” he said. “They want to hear more and I think that’s encouraging.”
Miller, IRI leaders and Parks Department officials are scheduled to meet again on Nov. 21.
Miller previously worked with IRI to launch the Forest Park Aktion Club, which is a Kiwanis Club for developmentally disabled adults. IRI’s executive director said his organization has maintained a close relationship with Miller’s office.
Miller and IRI leaders approached each other to discuss the Forest Park Carousel on Oct. 23 at an event in Miller’s honor.
Earlier this month, Sal Napolitano, a carousel operator who has worked on similar attractions in the city for more than 40 years, called out the Parks Department on a lack of feedback for proposals he submitted.
He said he was scheduled to meet with Miller and Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley last week, but the meeting was canceled.
Napolitano said he would be more than willing to offer advice and guidance on how to run the carousel if the nonprofit wants help.
“The main thing for me is that the carousel is up and running,” he said.
The Parks Department will have to send out a request for another round of proposals before awarding a contract, and officials plan to this winter, a department spokesman said.
Napolitano is on the fence about trying again even though the agreement for the Flushing Meadows-Forest Park Carousel he operates is set to expire in March.
“I don’t know because I don’t know if I’m going to be treated fairly,” he said.
IRI would use the carousel as a way to provide jobs and volunteer opportunities for the developmentally disabled adults it serves. Executive Director Ray DeNatale said he hopes it also a way to build new bridges through the entire community.
“I’m looking forward to meeting with the parks people and trying to do this,” DeNatale said. It’s a challenge for us. I think we can meet the challenge.
By Jeremiah Dobruck
