Berry Go Round entertains young riders in Riverfront Park

On Monday afternoon, when Bonnie Verduzco’s two young granddaughters climbed down from the Looff Carrousel in Riverfront Park, they darted almost immediately to the next attraction, chanting, “Let’s go on the strawberries!”

Felicity, 8, and Jaicee, 10, were referring to the Berry Go Round, a spinning carnival-style ride that reopened in the park on Monday. It’s like the classic “teacups” ride, but with giant strawberries instead of cups.

“It’s very nice that you have these activities for families,” said Verduzco, who recently moved to Spokane from California.

The Berry Go Round, now occupying a concrete pad next to the skating ribbon, is one of 13 original Riverfront Park rides that used to be housed under the U.S. Pavilion. All were slated to be decomissioned and sold until parks officials changed course last year following a campaign led by retired Riverfront Park director Hal McGlathery.

Linda Chatfield, who accompanied her daughter and 5-year-old grandson to the park on Monday, said she appreciated that the ride costs just $2, comparing it to steeper prices one might encounter at the county fair. “You can’t beat that,” Chatfield said.

The Berry Go Round was last in service in summer 2016. Another ride, called the Spider, also is expected to make a comeback after construction finishes in Riverfront Park.