-Editorial
For Cecilia Navarro, a visit to the carousel at Imperial Valley Mall was more than a family outing. Navarro traveled from Mexicali with her two granddaughters to enjoy one of their final rides before the attraction closes later this month.
Navarro said she knew about the closure and asked the mall to reconsider.
“I don’t think they should do it,” Navarro said. “It’s a tradition here in Imperial Valley, and there are no other carousels nearby.”
The carousel has been part of Imperial Valley Mall since it opened about 20 years ago, becoming a familiar attraction for generations of families.
Carlos Alvarado of El Centro was at the mall with his children as they played at the new Candyland attraction. Alvarado said he believes the carousel should remain open.
“I don’t think they should do it,” Alvarado said. “It’s good for the kids.”
Heritage Amusements will close the carousel Aug. 30 following a request from mall management, according to a notice posted by the company. Its final day of operation will be Sunday, Aug. 30.
Heritage Amusements thanked the Imperial Valley community for its support, including families who celebrated birthdays, brought children for their first rides and returned throughout the years.
The company said it had been a privilege to operate at the mall and expressed hope of seeing local families again at another location in the future.
Imperial Valley Mall wrote on social media that the carousel’s closure will coincide with plans to renovate its food court and transform the space into “OASIS,” a new community event center.
The mall said the project will include a renovated food court, new seating areas, an entertainment and performance area, a large new screen, additional live entertainment and community events, and an updated overall design.
The mall acknowledged the carousel’s sentimental value to local families and encouraged visitors to enjoy one final ride before its closure.
