Oak Park Mall’s Carousel Rides Forced to End, New Operator Negotiations Underway
After years of delighting visitors with its charming carousel rides, Oak Park Mall in Overland Park will soon bid farewell to this beloved attraction. The carousel’s operator, Indoor Entertainment, has been forced to vacate its spot on the lower level due to leasing disagreements with the mall. Although the carousel is not owned by Oak Park Mall, it has been a cherished feature of the shopping center since at least the ’90s.
According to Sean Phillips, Oak Park’s senior marketing director, the carousel, like any other vendor, rents its space. However, Indoor Entertainment’s last day at the mall will be on October 15th. Kathryn Elliott, the chief operating officer of Indoor Entertainment, revealed that the mall had requested them to relocate to a less desirable location, which would have incurred substantial costs for the company. As a result, leaving the mall entirely seemed to be a more feasible option for Indoor Entertainment.
Oak Park Mall management is still hopeful that another carousel operator will sign a lease, and negotiations with a new company are currently underway. While Phillips couldn’t provide an exact date for the carousel’s return, he mentioned that it should be soon. In the meantime, Indoor Entertainment plans to relocate their carousel to a different state, potentially either Texas or Florida.
The news of the carousel’s departure has left many regular mall-goers disappointed, including Kevin and Becky Bukaty. The siblings often visit Oak Park Mall, primarily for the entertainment it provides to Becky, who has special needs. The merry-go-round has been a recurring highlight of their trips. However, along with the carousel’s impending absence, the mall has also removed its children’s play area this week for repairs. Phillips assured visitors that more family amenities will be announced soon, thereby maintaining a welcoming environment for all.
Oak Park Mall has a long-standing history with carousels, having faced similar challenges in the past. In 2000, the mall considered eliminating the carousel entirely, which led to protests from its then-operator. Although the carousel was ultimately relocated within the mall’s premises in 2001, this recent turn of events has disrupted its presence once again.
As negotiations continue for a new carousel operator, visitors can look forward to the possibility of its return in the near future. Oak Park Mall remains committed to providing a diverse range of family-friendly experiences and activities. While the departure of the carousel might induce a sense of nostalgia and temporary loss, the mall’s efforts to introduce new amenities will ensure a continued enjoyable experience for shoppers of all ages.
