DUMBO — A state-of-the-art flood protection system installed around Jane's Carousel will help keep the Brooklyn Bridge Park icon dry during future floods.
AquaFence, made of 44 water safe panels that can be quickly assembled around the carousel when a storm is approaching, was donated by carousel owners David and Jane Walentas and installed on Wednesday, the Daily News first reported.
“The carousel provides so much joy to the tens of thousands of children who visit each year, and it broke our hearts to see that put injeopardy during Hurricane Sandy,” said Jane Walentas. “We hope that by protecting the carousel and pavilion from future storms we can ensure that more children can enjoy the unique thrill of experiencing a vintage carousel in this beautiful park on the East River Waterfront.”
Jane's Carousel became a symbol of Hurricane Sandy when a picture of the glass-enclosed merry-go-round submerged in floodwater was posted on Instagram during the storm.
Fortunately, the historic carnival ride only suffered water damage but the close call prompted the Walentas' to take action. AquaFence is designed to protect the vintage 1922 carousel, restored by Walentas herself, from up to four feet of water.
Developed in Norway, AquaFence has been tested by the US Army Corp of Engineers and used successfully in seven countries. The panels can be stored out of sight and assembled in two hours when needed.
