Carousel hours shortened

NEW HAVEN — This summer, the Lighthouse Point carousel will be open 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. daily, three fewer hours than in previous summers, to reduce wear and tear on the horses.
"They are hard-carved, wooden sculptures almost 100 years old," said Robert Levine, director of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Trees.
During the school year, the carousel is open only on weekends from 1 to 4 p.m., but the carousel opens for extended hours for children on summer vacation.
Levine said the new hours reflect peak use.
While any use accelerates wear and tear on the horses, Levine said the city uses the carousel as intended.
To further reduce wear on the carousel, park workers set 15-minute intervals between the two-minute rides.
Park workers also check on the carousel daily to see if it needs maintenance.
For information on scheduling events at the carousel, call 946-8327.
— Maria Garriga