Children’s Playground

Accommodating the flood of children who need to release their ever-growing energy, merry-go-rounds with their dizzying satisfaction, serves as one of the many momentary distractions related to a playground. When pushed, the merry-go-round sends loads of children into circular flight. When it comes to enjoying the same type of excitement, but on a far impressive level, carousels provide a magical ride into a dreamland that individuals of all ages may appreciate. At the Children’s Playground, this kind of unique enchantment is brought to life and presents yet another remarkable Golden Gate Park attraction.

Exploring the Children’s Playground

As you enter the large play area, the laughter and energy of local children often fills the air. Swings lift high into the sky as ponytails and braids latch onto a playful breeze. Large tubes allow kids to crawl through whatever their imagination can think of; perhaps the path towards buried treasure or the inside of a submarine.

Planks test balance and courage, while colorful slides decorate the playground, allowing a long uncontrolled drop from the sky to a new starting point that is filled with more fun and excitement. While the carousel offers a delightfully placed center of wonder and mental stimulation, the entire play space is marked with a sense of youthfulness, fun, and invigorating action.

A Little Bit About Carousels

The history of the carousel is one that illustrates an interesting part of 12th century Arabian and Turkish tradition. Derived from the Spanish word, carosella (meaning “little war”) real horses and lances were used to engage in a game of horsemanship and technique that was taken quite seriously. The game traveled across the continents, setting in Europe during the 1680s, where the act became a bit of a spectacle.

Eventually, wooden horse contraptions were created for members of young royalty to get ready for upcoming tournaments. It was from this design that the modern carousels flourished, bringing in the “Golden Age” of the carousel from 1880 to the early part of the 1930s.

At one time, more than 7,000 carousels thrived, but now only 300 of these beauties exist with a very special example residing in Golden Gate Park. While the 1912 Herschel-Spillman carousel stands as the true gem of the playground, the park also offers many traditional childhood favorites, such as slides and swings. 

Children’s Playground Renovation

Many exciting and new developments are in the works for the Children’s Playground, which will soon be named the Koret Children’s Quarter. Renovation for the playground begun in February 2006 and is expected to reopen around the first of May 2007. When completed, the playground will display the talents of artistic concrete creations, as well as showcase a blueprint and recreational equipment that will catapult this Golden Gate Park feature into the future of playground design. 

On the green side of things, arbor and new benches will be placed close to the revamped amphitheater with stage. Grass dunes and a marsh will also entertain the masses. Added liquid luxuries will surely cool off visitors during the hottest of days with the construction of a stream; water wave and sprays; a sea cave and tidepools. New fencing and stairs provide extra safety and accessible about the playground area.  Additional features about the upcoming Koret Children’s Quarter include the Treehouse Village, Adventure Play Yard, Hidden Hollow, and climbing wavewalls.

While the Koret Children’s Quarter still in the renovation phase, there are several other playground options within the Golden Gate Park to check out, including: Fulton Playground (J.F.K. Drive at 9th Ave.); Panhandle Playground (Between Oak and Fell Streets); and Mother’s Meadow (MLK Drive near 19th Ave.)

The History of the Carousel at Golden Gate Park

It has been the tradition of one of the oldest children’s playgrounds in the United States to have a carousel as part of its environment. Throughout the years, the concept has remained the same, but involved different specimens, which brings us to the third and current carousel on the grounds. This example of exquisite craftsmanship was originally carved and produced by a North Tonawanda, New York company, Herschell-Spillman in 1912.

At first, the carousal was powered by steam, but when PG&E offered to loan an electric motor to the park, officials gladly agreed to pay the remaining expenses. The carousel led a well-traveled life, appearing as one of the main sights at the 1939 World’s Fair on Treasure Island, and also decorating several public arenas about the West Coast.

The illustrious, original carousel showcased 62 animal figures, decorative benches, alluring picture panels, and even an organ. The Herschell-Spillman creation enjoyed a long, continuous run until 1977 when a mechanism failed to work. Dubbed mechanically deficient, as well as lagging in its original visual appeal, the original carousel was sent to a restoration team for repair.

Paint was removed and the surfaces received a facelift, as missing parts were carved anew. The animals received a proper paint job, utilizing a radiant palette of colors. A German band organ was also installed in the carousel, which fills the air with an audio kaleidoscope of pleasure. The reopening of the revamped carousel took place in 1984 and was well received by the public. Today, many come from near and far just to experience a whirl on the historic Golden Gate Park carousel.

Contact Details

Address: The Children’s Playground is located at MLK and Bowling Green drives within the Golden Gate Park.

Phone: (415) 831-2700

Carousel Hours: The carousel is open on a daily basis from Memorial Day to Labor Day, as well as Friday through Sunday for the remainder of the year. Year-round hours for the carousel is 10 am-4:30 pm.

Renovation Hours: During renovation, the carousel will be open on Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: Adults ($1.50), Children 6 to 12 years of age ($.50 per ride), while children 5 and under are free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Interesting Fact: Since the carousel is such a historic wonder, the playground has become a popular place for event planning, such as parties and weddings, where food concession and other perks are offered.