Residents around Forest Park and Department of Parks and Recreation officials are hoping the fourth time is the charm for the languishing Forest Park Carousel.
On Tuesday, Parks sent out the fourth request for proposals to operate the attraction that has been closed since 2008 when a contract with the previous operator, New York One LLC, expired.
The RFP bundles it with the Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Carousel, which will be without an operator when the current contract with longtime carousel worker Sal Napolitano expires next year.
In the past three rounds, Parks rejected all proposals with little explanation to bidders or the public.
All officials said was that bids were not in the city’s best interest. They rebuffed efforts by at least one bidder to find out more information.
Parks representatives have said they hope a newly installed decorative fence at Forest Park and the ability to install other amusement rides at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park will entice more bidders this time.
Another ray of hope was a nonprofit that’s already indicated it will throw its hat into the ring, but that opportunity may not be as promising as originally thought.
Assemblyman Michael Miller has backed Independence Residences Inc., a service group for individuals with physical and mental disabilities, which he’s worked with in the past.
Miller and Queens Community Board 10 met with Parks in November, asking to try a new approach with the carousel.
The nonprofit would have used the carousel as a way to provide jobs and volunteer opportunities for the developmentally disabled adults it serves.
Miller said the meetings went well, but Parks and IRI had different ideas about what maintenance and cleanup needed to be done upfront.
IRI would have to submit a proposal like any other bidders, and the group hasn’t yet indicated if it will.
“I’m disappointed they weren’t chosen. However, it is the Parks Department’s process, and I respect their process,” Miller said. “My only concern is if you get a vendor that comes in and is going to focus on the Flushing Meadows [carousel].”
IRI’s executive director, Ray DeNatale, did not immediately return a call for comment.
Parks is urging potential bidders to attend two meetings on Jan. 12, the first at 11:30 a.m., at the Forest Park location, which is located at the Woodhaven Boulevard entrance to the park and the second at 1 p.m. at the Flushing Meadows Corona-Park Carousel, at 111th Street and 55th Avenue.
The deadline for submissions is no later than Friday, Jan. 27 at 3:00 pm.
By Jeremiah Dobruck
