A New Chapter for Historic LeRoy King Carousel
A New Chapter for Historic LeRoy King Carousel
San Francisco, California, July 16, 2025: Yerba Buena Gardens Conservancy will assume operations of the historic LeRoy King Carousel, offering the public increased access to one of the many rich cultural and historic resources we steward.
The Conservancy is pleased to extend the operating calendar, with the carousel available for ridership Wednesdays through Sundays year-round at a reduced ticket price point. In addition, the Conservancy plans to offer regular community hours in which tickets will be provided at no cost to the public, several times throughout the year.
“Having a still operational, 120-year-old historic Looff carousel on our campus, is in itself a great community asset and amenity. As such, we are expanding the hours and offering a price point that is amenable for all in our community and beyond to enjoy.”
-Executive Director Seve Ghose.
The Conservancy, whose engineers have conducted start-up, inspection, and maintenance of the carousel during its full tenure on our campus, will assume daily carousel operations just ahead of National Carousel Day on July 19th. In addition to more frequent carousel operations, there will be related programming throughout the summer months, including chalk, bubbles, and more.
The historic carousel is significant because of its construction and unique carved animal figures. Its name comes from devoted public servant and civil rights leader LeRoy King. For more information, visit https://yerbabuenagardens.org/explore/fun-zone-carousel/.
This new chapter of the carousel will round out our other planned activities and provide another reason for residents and visitors alike to come into the urban sanctuary we maintain and operate in the heart of San Francisco. It promises to draw in visitors during a critical time for San Francisco’s downtown neighborhoods, especially the Yerba Buena Arts and Cultural District.
About Yerba Buena Gardens Conservancy: As the steward of Yerba Buena Gardens, the Conservancy advocates for community engagement that centers on equity and helps break down real and perceived barriers through creative, innovative, and inclusive programming and activations on our campus. The Conservancy manages the Yerba Buena Gardens under a long-term lease from the City and County of San Francisco. Our mission is to provide arts, culture, recreation, and nature in beautiful, accessible, welcoming spaces for everyone through stewardship and collaboration.