The Chesapeake Carousel

The Chesapeake Carousel. . , Located within Watkins Regional Park, the Chesapeake Carousel is believed to have been constructed by Gustav Dentzel, one of America's foremost carousel makers of the 19th century. While some of the animals depicted on the carousel are from around 1905, it is suspected that others were constructed in the late 19th century. , The carousel operated in Chesapeake Beach from 1929 until 1972. The park in Chesapeake Beach closed in 1972 and the carousel was sold to Jim Wells of Virginia. In 1973, a Camp Springs woman named Orva Heissenbuttel saw an advertisement for the carousel's final sale. Afraid that this piece of local history would be dismantled and the animals sold off to collectors, Heissenbuttel approached M-NCPPC with the support of carousel enthusiasts around the County. She pledged to lead a fundraising drive to restore the historic carousel. Her efforts' paid off and in 1974, M-NCPPC acquired the carousel and brought it to Watkins Regional Park. , The carousel was opened to the public at Watkins in July 1977. Restoration has been ongoing since its acquisition by M-NCPPC. The animals are constructed of solid wood and most have been restored to their original colors. Some of the more interesting and unique animals on the carousel include a seahorse, a goat, an ostrich, two bison, two burros, and even a kangaroo with hinged feet, producing a jumping motion. , The carousel is open seasonally and provides delightful experience for the young and the young-at-heart. The carousel is wheelchair accessible.