Parents and grandparents can look forward to many magical hours in Andalusia’s new Heritage Park, thanks to the Andalusia City Council’s Tuesday decision to add a carousel to the downtown venue.
The carousel, which is 38 feet in diameter, is being custom designed for Andalusia. It will feature 32 standard horses, two ADA accessible chariots and a detachable wheelchair ramp.
In addition, there will be 10 reindeer that can be changed out with horses at Christmas, as well as six other animals that can be mixed in – a lion, tiger, elephant, giraffe, zebra and ostrich. Lighting and sound systems also are included, and the city also is purchasing a cover to protect the carousel in the event of a storm.
The Council on Tuesday accepted a low bid of $569,000 from Barrango MFG for the carousel, which includes installation and training. This bid was $274,000 less than the next lowest bid. Funds for the carousel were included in the city’s 2022 bond issue.
As spokesman for Barrango said it will take six to nine months to build the carousel, which means it should be in place in the new park in late 2026.
Mayor Earl Johnson said the city has not worked out all of the details of when the carousel will be available for use, but he expects rides to be free or a nominal expense, with rentals available for special events. The procedures will not be unlike those used in the city’s other park facilities, he said.
In unrelated business, the council:
• Had the first reading of an ordinance to allow Sunday alcohol sales in the city limits beginning at noon. Passage of an ordinance requires two readings before a vote is taken, unless there is unanimous consent to pass it immediately.
• Approved a 6 percent cost of living pay adjustment for city employees.
• Postponed until Jan. 20 a planned hearing on Econo Lodge’s business license, based on the assurance from attorneys for Dixitkumar Patel that he would move off the premises until a criminal case against him is resolved.
• Reappointed Beth Woodard and Jimmy Black to the City of Andalusia Industrial Development Board and Elizabeth Benet to the Andalusia Public Library Board.
• Renewed its contract with Emerald Coast Utilities Authority for processing the city’s recycling materials.
• Accepted a bid from Andalusia Ford for four new police vehicles.