The historic carousel in Bushnell Park recently got an upgrade.
Mayor Luke Bronin was joined by members of the Bushnell Park Conservancy, Nassau Financial Group, and students from Fred D. Wish Museum School Tuesday morning to celebrate the upgrade and to reopen the carousel.
Nassau Financial Group donated $50,000 to the conservancy to upgrade the lighting fixtures in the pavilion to make them more energy efficient.
Over 800 light bulbs on the 1914 carousel were replaced with LED lighting. They are expected to save 10,539 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions.
The park has served as a central green space bringing people together since 1854, said Tom Baptist, president of the Bushnell Park Conservancy.
“This contribution speaks to our shared commitment to environmental sustainability and stewardship,” Baptist said.
Bronin referred to the carousel as “the heart of Bushnell Park.”
Vernon Young, Nassau Financial Group’s Chief Risk Officer, said they wanted to work on the environment and make a positive contribution to one of Hartford’s favorite landmarks.