We grandmas know that New York City is the number one city to bring grandchildren. This Grandma has written posts previously of the wonderful experiences that await grandchildren of all ages in New York City.
We grandmas already know of the fabulous carousel in Central Park at 64th street. Centralparknyc.org. We already know about the French carousel at Bryant Park, Avenue of the Americas at 40th Street. Bryantpark.org. We know of the Ferris wheel inside Toys R Us in Times Square.
These all pale compared to the brand new $16 million SeaGlass carousel developed by the battery Conservatory in New York City. Just read the entire article, “A Whirling School of Mechanical Fish,” by David Dunlap in the New York Times, August 14, 2015, and you want to grab your grandchildren and head to Manhattan. He writes, in part:
“Young and old will be charged $5 each for a three-and-a-half-minute ride that might more accurately be called an immersion. “Children and adults should feel as if they are fish,” said Warrie Price, president and founder of the conservancy, which manages the park in partnership with the city. . . .”
“There are 30 fish in all. Climb in. Almost every fish is big enough to carry an adult with a small child. Youngsters 42 inches or taller may ride alone. Two stationary Siamese fighting fish have enough room for wheelchairs. Don’t expect a carousel ride like any you remember. The main turntable of SeaGlass rotates clockwise, as quickly as two-and-a-half revolutions a minute. Three 17-foot turntables mounted within the main turntable, each carrying six fish, rotate back and forth 120 degrees, up to five times a minute. Further, the 18 moving fish yaw 160 degrees, nearly four times a minute.”. . . .
“Your fish changes color, too. It begins in a sandy pastel shade you might find in a piece of sea glass. But the circular seating aperture is ringed by LEDs that can turn the fish cobalt blue or jade green or hot pink. Reflective disks mounted under the fiberglass skin shoot out rainbow-colored shards of light.”
“The experience is described as “enthralling,” for adults and children alike.”
The SeaGlass carousel, in the Battery, Lower Manhattan, will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., every month except January and February. Rides cost $5; thebattery.org.
“The SeaGlass show will continue to grow and evolve. New music will be composed, new lighting technology will come and go, and the stories of the sea will be written and acted.”
As if we needed another reason to take our grandchildren to New York City. It may be that we need them so we have an excuse to experience this new marvel of science.
Joy,
Mema
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