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A carousel that entertained generations of Northern Virginia families will be permanently removed from Frying Pan Farm Park after suffering severe damage during a January winter storm.
Inspections by Fairfax County Park Authority staff and specialists determined that the 108-year-old ride could not be safely repaired or operated. Much of the damage affected its canopy, according to Daidria Grayson, the authority’s marketing and communications division director.
Built in 1918, the portable Allan Herschell carousel was purchased by the Park Authority in 1975. It was first installed in Lee District before moving to the Herndon park in 2011.
Plans for a replacement are now in their early stages. Grayson said a new carousel is expected and could arrive as soon as spring next year, although its cost has not been determined.
People interested in helping fund the replacement can donate through the Fairfax County Park Foundation, which supports the Park Authority.
Other Fairfax County parks continue to operate carousels. Frying Pan Farm Park also has two upcoming events: its annual Horse Expo on April 18 and Spring Farm Day on May 2.