About Our Historic Park

A small committee, under the chairmanship of Dr. Rosemary Sansone, was formed from the Krull Olcott Development Committee. The committee began fundraising to restore the carousel roundhouse building on the site of the former Olcott Amusement Park. The Eastern Niagara Chamber of Commerce helped the restoration by raising funds and providing in-kind services. The restoration was completed in 2002. Olcott Beach became the site for one of the sculptures featured in Art on Wheels, entitled One Tired Horse by artist John Dee. It stands in the park today.

In 2003, the west pavilion was built and vintage rides from Culver were installed. These rides are the Skyfighter, the Kiddie Car/Fire Truck ride (formerly from Olcott), and the Boat Ride. In 2004, the east pavilion was built and the Rocket Swing ride was installed. This pavilion also hosts Skee Ball machines, the Duck Pond, rocking chairs for the convenience of guests. In 2007, a Ferris wheel that had been operated at the former Whistle Pig in Niagara Falls, was purchased, restored and erected in the park.

Purchased in 2004 through a grant from Sr. George Maziarz, a 1931 Wurlitzer Band Organ was installed.

The Theater

The Tom Kelley Rustic Theater was built in 2008 and named for Tom Kelley, one of the original committee members, who passed away. The theater has special events for children and families throughout the season.

The centerpiece of the Carousel Park is a restored carousel, a replica of the original 1920s style Hershell carousel that was operated in the roundhouse from the 1940s to the 1980s. To purchase the carousel, several horses and the chariot were put up for adoption. Outside horses were auctioned for $2500, inside horses for $1500, ponies for $1000, and the chariot for $4000, The lead horse was auctioned for $7000. The names of the donors appear above each horse on the carousel.

The newly restored roundhouse and carousel’s grand opening was on May 17, 2003. Ed Sandusky, Al Wilson, and Jim Updegrove who had operated the carousel at the Olcott Amusement Park fifty years prior, operated it on opening day.

A replica of a studio belonging to John Boeckmann, a famous photographer in Olcott from the early 1900s was built to house vintage arcade games in 2006.

The park is a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers. Every aspect of the restoration and ongoing operations relies on community support and the dedication of people who believe in preserving affordable family entertainment.

The park is a non-profit organization run by volunteers. Every aspect of our park is maintained and operated by dedicated volunteers who believe in our mission. From ride operators to maintenance crews, from event coordinators to administrative support - our community makes it all possible.

This volunteer spirit is what allows us to keep our prices so low while maintaining high-quality attractions. When you visit our park, you're supported by people who genuinely care about providing a wonderful experience for families.