Eldridge Park Carousel Preservation Society

Historical Treasure

Eldridge Park has always been a destination for the Southern Tier as far back as the 1860's. An amusement park was created in the 1890s and expanded to become a larger more regional attraction in the 1920s. Headed up by the Long family, the attractions continued to provide long lasting memories until 1988. Unfortunately, due to increases in vandalism and an economic decline, the Long family had decided to end their contract with the city to operate the amusements. The attractions were sold off or scraped, and the carousel mechanism was donated to the City of Elmira.

Resurrection

In 2003, inspired by a flood of fond childhood memories and a realization that the 1890s Looff Carousel Mechanism was still located within the park. Eldridge Park Carousel Preservation Society, Inc. was formed and in 2006 the restored Carousel was unveiled.

Mission Statement

The Eldridge Park Carousel Preservation Society, Inc. is dedicated to preserving the past, while continually enhancing Eldridge Park for the enjoyment of residents and visitors across the community.

Present & The Future

Over the years the park has continued to grow to include, Kiddie Rides, Mini-Golf, Paddle Boats, Jasper Tour Boat, Thunderbirds, Tilt-a-Whirl, and a 9-Hole Disc Golf Course. We also hold free community events, concerts, festivals, and fireworks. The Park has continued to thrive because of the support of the community from volunteers, financial contributions, and continued patronage of the park. We hope to keep that momentum going for years to come! Our fundraising goal this year with the FLX Gives event is to raise $5,000 towards a The Whip Building. 

Whip Ride

Oh, the memories, the anticipation of this ride was better than the ride itself. Waiting in line and watching was half the fun. Riders got jerked around the circular course and as they went into a turn, braced for the whipping action of the car to press them back into their seat, only to be jerked forward again as they went through the straightaway headed for another turn just seconds away from the previous one.

Eldridge Park is looking forward to memories being made on the Whip ride once again. We need your help to bring back a version of the Whip back to the park! 

Pictured: Customers in the new Whip ride seat!
 

Who We Are

Eldridge Park is a Family Oriented community treasure! Based on a rich and long history, the park has been re-energized with the return of the carousel, several kiddie rides, the Thunderbirds, Jasper boat ride, paddleboats and Mini-golf. Summertime activities include free band concerts and car shows. We continue to add to the many activities to make this a regional family destination!