When CoVID-19 forced a shutdown of all venues in Griffith Park — including the Autry, LA Zoo, Griffith Observatory, Greek Theatre, etc. — I contacted Julio Gosdinksi, the owner/manager of the Griffith Park Merry-go-Round to talk about the long-term ramifications. We met at the ride to share a meal (distanced across a picnic table) and he showed me the steps being taken to ensure kids would be safe on the ride once the merry-go-round reopened.
It’s now nearly 2021, and unfortunately many Park venues are still closed to the public, although some are finally reopening; the LA Zoo, for instance, requires guests to wear masks and practice social distancing.
As Los Angeles begins to emerge from a long Rip Van Winkle sleep and moves into less stringent safety restrictions, the Griffith Park Merry-go-Round will remain shuttered; the future of this iconic family-friendly attraction is in jeopardy.
For the past nine years, Julio was instrumental in keeping this historic 1920s-era art piece in top working condition. Maintenance was never easy, especially on the 68 wooden horses and complicated mechanism that kept the painted ponies moving up and down while spinning guests gently around in the lush Griffith Park greenery.
An employee since he was a teenager, Julio was handed co-ownership of the ride in 2011, a responsibility he took seriously and to heart. The Griffith Park Merry-go-Round has delighted families, first dates and grandparents for decades. Julio knew that and always welcomed everyone with a big smile.
When Julio suddenly passed away in early August, the fate of his and OUR beloved Merry-go-Round entered into limbo.
One thing is abundantly clear — the Griffith Park Merry-go-Round is an important feature of Griffith Park, one that brings visitors from around the world just to take a ride and pose for a photo. Now, LA Recreation and Parks must decide how to keep this carousel in the Park, especially now that Julio’s smiling face and generous nature will be missing.
~Kathryn Louyse, FoGP Board member
Edward Linon January 21, 2024 at 8:20 am
Disney Inc should chip in and restore the merry go round. After all they OWE their success to this ride that inspired their founder.
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Kathryn Louyseon January 21, 2024 at 11:22 am
The problem is… there’s a current court case to decide whether the former owner’s family shares ownership with the other owner. Until these are ironed out, the Griffith Park Merry-go-round is in limbo as are any repairs.
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Luanaon September 12, 2023 at 3:33 pm
Please , please don’t let this beautiful place of so many memories past . Just die . We need this wonderful memory maker Merry Go Round for future memories for and with future children and parents .. forever . I have so many wonderful memories as a child and with my grown children here as well .. let the magic continue .
We can all and are willing to help in some way in any way that we can .
Blessings to everyoneReply
Debbie Boltonon December 31, 2022 at 10:42 pm
Please can someone contact the National Association of Carousels about helping fix the carousel? I spoke to the half owner Rosemary and she told me there is a part that’s broken. The NAC wants to help her get it fixed. It’s been 2 years now and all of us here want to help to get it up and running again!
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Kathryn Louyseon September 7, 2023 at 5:56 pm
Part of the problem with the Griffith Park Merry-go-Round is the ownership. Currently the issue is before the courts and until resolved, nothing can be moved forward.
We’re all waiting to hear what the courts decide and certainly will move forward as soon as this is handled.Reply
Chuck Simpsonon October 3, 2023 at 11:36 am
Fond memories for sure!! Hopefully by now the various challenges have been solved :
If we can put men on the moon, the least we can do is assist our wooden friends to continue to spin smiles on faces of all ages .. I am mailing a check in remembrance of a special aunt
Thanks for supporting this project ! ChuckReply
Kathryn Louyseon November 1, 2023 at 9:00 am
As stated to several other posters… thanks for reaching out. Nothing has been resolved yet because while we can put men on the moon, the wheels of justice move at a snails pace!
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"Ranger Don" (Scott)on August 13, 2022 at 12:21 pm
It is fairly well-documented that Walt Disney first began dreaming of a large theme park when he and his daughters were riding the Merry Go Round. Perhaps Disney or a Disney fan group could help with the restoration and interpretation of the Merry Go Round?
Don Scott, Born Atwater 1943, rode the Merry Go Round joyously with cousins in the mid-40’s
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D. Boltonon December 31, 2022 at 10:29 pm
I heard that the merry ho round needs help to be fixed . The part on top that runs and holds the horses is broken . Please contact the half owner Rosemary West to help her get it up and running again. Also since Julio the other part owner past away there seems to be a question who owns the other half now .
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Kathryn Louyseon September 25, 2023 at 12:36 pm
Currently the question of who owns the other portion of the Merry-go-Round is in legal limbo. The courts will determine ownership (hopefully soon) although this has been placed on hold several times.
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Johnon July 26, 2022 at 10:54 am
Any updates on this? It would be such a tragedy to let it fall into disrepair! Are they actually just going to let it sit there decaying?? Who owns it now?
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Kathryn Louyseon August 10, 2022 at 8:22 pm
We’ve been told by RAP this ride is currently undergoing some necessary maintenance, although there’s so specific plans for when it’ll reopen, so please stay tuned as we try to get more information.
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Michelleon April 9, 2023 at 9:55 am
I went yesterday to Griffith park and wanted to ride the merry go round and it was closed. I did some online research and saw all this info. I’
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Kathryn Louyseon April 20, 2023 at 10:03 am
Currently this venue is closed for several reasons. One of the owners passed away several years back sans will. It’s now in probate. Also, some of mechanical parts are in need of repair and until these are made, the ride remains closed. We’ve been reaching out to the City to insure the ride continues to be protected in the meantime.
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Sharonon April 24, 2023 at 3:40 am
I rode this carousel often with my Grandmother and mother in the 1950’s and it’s one of my most cherished memories. have had a real love of carousels my whole life. I live in Michigan now and take my grandchildren to ride the beautiful Hershel-Spillmsn carousel at Greenfield Village. If you need help with maintenance please contact Henry Ford Greenfield Village, I’m sure they can help.
Michelleon June 11, 2023 at 11:49 am
Keep me in mind to help out in any way !
Brendonon May 2, 2022 at 7:45 pm
I would love to help assist in any restoration efforts of the carousel. I have experience in wood preparation & painting. If you know whom I should contact I will appreciate you letting me know.
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Kathryn Louyseon May 10, 2022 at 9:33 pm
Brendon… we’ve been attempting to work with the current owner on some restoration, and will keep you in mind if we are able to move forward with restoration. Thanks for contacting us.
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Anjelicaon November 21, 2021 at 11:05 pm
I had heard once that they were allowing families to ‘adopt’
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Kathryn Louyseon November 23, 2021 at 6:41 pm
While we’ve not heard this… it’s something that certainly could be explored. Currently the Griffith Park Merry-go-Round is privately owned/operated, but housed in a RAP-owned building.
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James Etteron September 28, 2021 at 7:38 pm
I took some pre-teens for a ride in my ’56 Chevy Convertible. I team with clubs all over So. Cal doing car shows. Raising funds with only a car show is slow and usually under $3,500 mostly from entry fees.
I believe I can get Jay Leno behind such a project, if Griffith Park can provide a suitable Space to show the classics. I can imagine that maybe 250-300 cars. If we can convince the city to allow Vendors, we could raise a nice start-up on funds to restore this iconic one of a kind piece of history.
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Kathryn Louyseon October 20, 2021 at 12:02 pm
Our suggestion… reach out to LA Recreation and Parks who oversees these types of projects. FoGP hosts volunteer efforts in the Park, not car shows.
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larry gutierrezon May 27, 2021 at 8:49 pm
Please! When is it going to reopen?
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Kathryn Louyseon May 28, 2021 at 7:56 am
The Griffith Park Merry-go-Round is finally back up and running, albeit only Saturday and Sunday for the current future. 11-5 PM. Have fun and spread the word.
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sherylon June 29, 2021 at 9:22 am
that’s great news!!!
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