Surely, there are horses, the traditional way to go. Tradition goes out the window for the remaining options, though. Riders may perch themselves on the back of a frog, who sports a jaunty vest and bow tie. Then there’s that charming bear who has a honeycomb strapped onto his back, unaware of the bumblebee about to take a taste.

This is definitely not your everyday merry-go-round. That was the plan, though, according to Carol Ash, executive director of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, of which Bear Mountain State Park is a part.

"It evolved that it should be completely native animals to the Hudson River Valley," says Ash, of the $3 million project that’s been several years in the planning and a year in construction. "What we have is a unique merry-go-round, unlike any other in the world."

That seems to be the case. There’s a brown rabbit with its ears perked up high; a sly red fox; a cat with tiny mice scrambling onto its saddle; and a sleek river otter. That’s not to mention a turkey, a goose, a bobcat and perhaps the most unexpected animal, a skunk.

"Apparently no one ever wanted a skunk before," says Ask, with a laugh, referring to one of the nine new animals specially carved for Bear Mountain by the ride’s manufacturer, Carousel Works Inc. of Mansfield, Ohio.

In addition to the animals, two highly decorated benches on the merry-go-round offer another way to ride, while also being easily converted into accessible seating for those in wheelchairs.

Carousel Works’ artist Leslie Cowton is the one responsible for the ride’s unique feel, having painted the animals, as well as the historical and natural scenes that decorate the ride and evoke the history of the Palisades Park system.

Panels range from scenes of the nearby Perkins Tower to the Palisades cliffs along the Hudson River. There are 1917 steamboats, the Stony Point lighthouse and the Walt Whitman statue, a noted Bear Mountain landmark. A scene of the Bear Mountain Inn, circa 1929, is a perfect example of the kind of details that make the Merry-go-round such a wonder.

"Even in the Bear Mountain Inn (scene) the dining table is set," says Ash.

As riders spin, they will also see themselves reflected in mirrors which appear to be framed in rustic shaped pieces of wood. The ride itself is 70 feet in diameter, electronically controlled and set to offer classic carousel style music as it spins around. The merry-go-round is the colorful centerpiece of the 7,800 square foot pavilion on the end of the green, finding a home between the administration building and the skating rink on the hill above.

Its Adirondack style, created by Roger Bartels Architects of South Norwalk, Conn., blends in seemlessly with the park’s atmosphere and building designs. Its stone and wood exterior leads to a vaulted interior with rustic lanterns and large picture windows.

In addition to the ride, the pavilion also includes a sunken fireplace area, a snack bar, restrooms and a mural, an oil painting called "Hope, the Bear Mountain Mural" by Jacques Bartels. The scene depicts the park’s visitors coming north, from Manhattan and other points, and includes representations of the Perkins family leading the way.

It’s only fitting, as the merry-go-round project was made possible by a grant from the Perkins family. As Ash explains, it was PIPC founder George Walbridge Perkins who saw the park’s beauty as a refuge for New York City children in the early 1900s, helping create a place to escape the city’s coal dust and develop an appreciation for nature and the environment.

It’s a tradition the Perkins family continues to this day. Ann Perkins Cabot, PIPC commissioner and the granddaughter of George Walbridge Perkins, is excited about the merry-go-round’s completion, having worked closely on its development. She’s more than ready for her first ride.

"I’ve seen it go around, but I haven’t been on it," the Cold Spring resident said last week. Cabot is set to take the ceremonial first ride during a private celebration Saturday which will include a visit by New York Gov. George Pataki. Wonder what animal she’ll choose.

Bear Mountain Park Merry-Go-Round When: Opens to the public at 2 p.m. Sunday Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Getting there: Bear Mountain State Park as accessible via the Palisades Interstate Parkway or Route 9W in Bear Mountain Information 845-786-2701