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Health & Fitness

Riders to the ready

Thoughts on Mitchell Park's Carousel.

A few year's back Greenport launched an ambitious waterfront restoration project centering around Mitchell Park  — a great stretch of land right in the center of the village and, in honesty, something of an abandoned space. Long ago it hosted the Mitchell Marina and Restaurant that fell upon fire and hard times. Then Mayor, Kapell had a splendid vision for the area  ± to make it a focal point; a park, and to extend and repair the wharfs on the waterfront into a village marina. Well the transformation took a bit but now, well it's maturing — and it is pretty darn neat.

In the center of it rests a carousel — and not just any carousel. Grumman — the aircraft/aerospace company (now Northrup) — once owned it. It dates back, we have heard, to the '30s and Grumman acquired it in the '50s for use at events.  When they (Grumman) pretty much packed up and moved west, the Carousel was left to sit in a shed and Mr. Kapell noticed it. Long story short, it found its way to Mitchell Park through Mr. Kapell's efforts and now, here in the center of our little village, commands the spot of a jewel in the crown. A lookout commanding the harbor; horses in place to ride off in all directions and their eager riders at the ready.

It sounds like a carousel should sound and the horses clip along at a good pace. There is even a brass ring to catch and seats for the grownups who aren't into mixing it up on horseback. We can walk by, on this walkway in the picture and hear the music and the whoops of kids at full gallop. On a bright evening, the cacophony nearly drowns out the moonlight.

We have often wondered about the horses in all this. They have seen a lot things over the years — mostly carnivals and picnics, unpackings and setups during their early years followed by some neglect and we imagine a certain loneliness without the prospect of a 3-year-old in the saddle hanging on for dear life, parents watching with eye-smiles and a tear but reassured knowing that these horses always provide a fun ride that they remember from their first few years. 

Now, in their resurrection, they fly around in their well grooved circles and look out of banks of windows at a great view of a very old harbor made new and shinning, boats envious at their majestic space, and are cared for and adored by a great many kids and an equal number of adults.  They are, we have heard, pretty much having the times of their lives.

We think so anyway.  It is a very pleasant thought.

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