New Castle, DE – New Castle County today announced the re-opening of public access to the Carousel Park equestrian facilities. In early December, after a flu-like illness began circulating among horses in the Park’s stables, staff instituted a quarantine of the horses and restricted public access to the equestrian facilities in a precautionary measure to limit the spread of transmission. Those measures required the cancellation of the popular annual “Santa and His Pony” event at Carousel in December and the temporary suspension of riding lessons, trail rides and cross-country course riding, as well as closure of the Park’s Kids Corral animal visiting program.
Thanks to the bio-security measures put in place to protect the more than forty horses stabled at Carousel, the virus was contained to four horses. Park staff have continued to care for the horses on-site and the illness has now run its course. Following an all clear from veterinary officials all restrictions to the horses, equestrian programs and facilities at the Park have been lifted.
“We appreciate the public’s concern and understanding while our dedicated staff look after the wellbeing of our horses,” County Executive Matthew Meyer said. “I’m thrilled that all Carousel Park facilitates have been fully reopened and I welcome New Castle County residents to visit the Park and enjoy its many amenities.”
The Carousel Park and Equestrian Center, home of the New Castle County Police Mounted Patrol Unit, is a 215 acre oasis offering open space, rolling meadows, an off leash bark park, two fishing ponds, walking paths, and more. The Western theme Park provides opportunities for the public to interact with its many special “residents” including horses, donkeys, alpacas, goats, rabbits, peacocks, swans, ducks, chickens and an African Sulcata tortoise affectionately known as Harry who could live up to 120 years of age. The Park features a creative play experience for children at its playground with teepees, play horses and climbing logs. Or, visitors of all ages can just bring a picnic lunch and explore its scenic vistas of beautiful rolling hills. Carousel Park is open daily from dawn to dusk.
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Contact:
Jason Miller
Director of Communications
302-395-5107 (office) | 302-545-1462 (cell)