This refurbished organ was reset inside the carousel this week by New Philadelphia Rotarians, RTY rides manager Bud Schoelles and workers from the City's Park and Water Departments. (New Philadelphia Rotary Club)

New Philadelphia, Ohio (WJER) - New Philadelphia Rotary members are singing the community’s praises after resetting the newly restored and tuned carousel organ at Tuscora Park. 

Member Carey Gardner says the organ was hauled back to the park this week and installed for its initial run in perfect pitch. He says anyone familiar with how the organ’s condition last year is going to notice a large difference when they visit the park again this summer.

“There’s cymbals. There’s drums. There chimes. There’s organ notes that we haven’t heard for many years just because of the declining condition of the organ and its lack of ability to fully utilize all of its resources. Well, it’s hitting on all cylinders right now,” he says.

Gardner says the $45,000 project was paid using community donations ranging from smaller individual contributions to major donations from local businesses and organizations. He says the club is already planning a maintenance schedule that will keep the organ working for decades to come.

“We’re told that we should expect another 30 years of life out of this band organ now before we sort of have to repeat the process,” he says. “Mr. Kegg and his staff are going to come down on an annual basis to fine tune it and just check the mechanism.”

Gardner says the community will get their first chance to hear the organ when the park opens for the season Memorial Day weekend. 

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