A Solar-Powered Carrousel on the Waterfront

by FIGMO

The Sustainable Energy Association is proposing a solar-powered carousel as one of the first waterfront development projects to come to fruition. The carrousel is part of a solar playground and learning park. Joan Bozer, the group’s director has spoken to Buffalo officials about donating city land for the project, specifically a tract along Erie Boulevard approaching Erie Basin Marina. Bozer has said that land would be “ideal” due to its sun exposure, proximity to a bike path and accessibility to the light-rail system.

According to Business First, the project would be a “$3 million Buffalo/Niagara Solar Playground and Learning Park on the Buffalo waterfront. The centerpiece of the park would be an enclosed 60-foot 1904 carousel that has been donated by the Herschell Carrousel Museum in North Tonawanda, and which organizers hope to power with solar panels.”

Conceptual model created by Frank Fantauzzi at the UB School of Architecture & Planning