The showcase of the Charlotte neighborhood, the park underwent restorations and improvements in 2004 that recall its days as the Coney Island of the north. Part of this renaissance was spurred by the introduction of high-speed ferry service between Rochester and Toronto, and it included the makeover of old warehouses into a gleaming terminal with shops. The Spirit of Ontario ran through the summer of 2004 before suspending operations. At this writing (late 2004), the city has begun studying ways to restore service for 2005.
Swimming is just one attraction at the beach. Concerts are held on Wednesday nights in summer. The 1905 Dentzel Carousel ($1) has three rows of animals, not just horses, and is one of only about six such Dentzel menagerie carousels still operating in the country. To get here, take Lake Avenue all the way north until you reach Lake Ontario and the beach.
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