SOMA Living February 2023

REAL ESTATE LOST AMUSEMENT PARK

Once upon a time there was an amusement park in New Jersey that had the Nation’s largest fresh water swimming pool, the largest carousel

in North America and was visited by millions of people. This wonderland was not located on the Jersey Shore, but straddled the border of Irvington and Maplewood and was called Olympic Park. The original property, in 1887 with a modest dance hall, bowling alley and beer garden. The park slowly grew in popularity when in 1904, it was purchased by two local businessmen and was named Olympic Park. The new owners added new attractions including a Ballroom, an Opera House and a 400-table restaurant. The park showcased acrobats, dancers, musicians and circus performers with lions and tigers. Attendance grew to 500,000 visitors a year. In 1920, mechanical rides: a Ferris Wheel, Roller Coaster and Fun House. The largest carousel in the United States was installed; it featured 80 wooden horses, hundreds of electric lights and a band organ imported from Italy. The largest freshwater pool on the east coast was constructed. The park remained popular through the late 1950’s but declining attendance and changing times saw Olympic Park close in 1965. A small memorial on Chancellor Avenue marks where the entrance used to be. Today, Olympic park is all but forgotten but if you ever find yourself in Disney World, just outside of Cinderella’s Castle, take a spin on the Prince Charming Carousel. It’s the very same Carousel that turned in Olympic Park back in 1929 and you’ll enjoy a wonderful ride of Maplewood history.

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FEBRUARY 2023 | SOMA LIVING 23

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