Chavis Park carousel getting a facelift

Crews are refurbishing and repainting the carousel, and officials will break ground Saturday on a new building to house it. The carousel will move to a new location, near the community center and closer to Martin Luther King Boulevard, as part of a master plan to improve the park.

The carousel, which dates to the late 1910s or early 1920s, is a designated Raleigh Historic Landmark.

Neighbors say the upgrade is overdue. "We need some more attention," said Howard Curtis. "Put some money over here."

"It'll be good for the kids," said Johnice Harris.

The project, which costs an estimated $2 million, should be finished by the end of 2012.

Neighbors had input on the new carousel house and suggested additional ways to improve the park, including adding restrooms, concessions and possibly a museum to the community's sports legends.