After a significant investment in safety upgrades, Whitman’s beloved Carousel Family Fun Center is thrilled to announce its grand reopening! Families in and around Whitman can once again enjoy all the fun and excitement this local institution has to offer. To celebrate, Carousel Family Fun Center is hosting a special grand reopening celebration tonight, promising an evening of entertainment for all ages.
The celebration, running from 7 to 10 p.m. at the roller skating rink located at 1055 Auburn St., will feature a live broadcast from Radio Disney, adding extra excitement to the festivities. This event is Carousel’s way of warmly welcoming back the community and expressing gratitude for their continued support. According to Carousel owner Charlene Conway, “It’s just our way of letting everyone in the community know that we’re still here.”
Earlier this year, Carousel Family Fun Center faced challenges related to state regulations requiring automatic sprinkler systems in establishments of its size. Following the tragic Station nightclub fire in 2003, a state law was enacted in 2004 to enhance fire safety in public venues. This law mandated sprinkler systems for venues with a capacity of 100 or more people used for entertainment purposes. To comply with these important safety standards, Carousel undertook a substantial $100,000 project to install a state-of-the-art sprinkler and automatic fire alarm system.
Prior to these upgrades, Carousel had been operating under a reduced occupancy permit. However, with the successful installation and approval of the new safety systems just before April vacation, the venue’s full occupancy of 428 people has been restored. Fire Chief Timothy P. Travers confirmed the approval, marking a significant milestone for Carousel and its patrons.
While the mandated safety upgrades represented a considerable financial undertaking, Conway emphasized the importance of ensuring a safe environment for guests. “The last thing we want to do is be unsafe,” she stated. Beyond the $100,000 sprinkler installation, Conway noted that the business also experienced approximately $120,000 in lost revenue due to the reduced occupancy period. Despite these financial hurdles, Carousel remained committed to its employees and the community it serves. Conway acknowledged the difficulties, stating, “It is what it is. We managed to get by. We did what the judge wanted us to do. The rest is history.” This resilience underscores Carousel’s dedication to providing family fun in Whitman.
Charlene and Robert Conway took ownership of the business, previously known as Skatetown USA, over three years ago and further invested in the property by purchasing the building in November 2006. Their total investment in Carousel Family Fun Center exceeds $650,000, demonstrating their long-term commitment to creating a premier destination for family entertainment.
Carousel Family Fun Center is designed with families in mind, catering particularly to young children. They specialize in hosting birthday parties, school events, and even fundraising opportunities for local organizations like DARE. With its reopening, Carousel is ready to continue being a central hub for family fun and community engagement in Whitman.
For more information about Carousel Family Fun Center and its offerings, please visit their website at www.carouselskate.com. Join the celebration tonight and rediscover the joy of Carousel Family Fun!
