Opening Date Uncertain For Highland Park Carousel

Dozens of horses, a dog and a pig have been removed from the Highland Park carousel. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]

A treasured merry-go-round remains silent in an Endwell park and it's not clear if it will operate at all this year.

The Highland Park carousel remains quiet as town officials finalize repair plans. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]

The Highland Park carousel won't open for use until repairs have been completed to the roof of the structure.

Town of Union Supervisor Rose Sotak said a person who was walking in the park during the winter noticed something didn't look right with the roof.

There are no colorful lights and there is no upbeat music as summer approaches. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]

After the structural problems were discovered, the 36 jumping animals - horses, a pig and a dog - were removed to prevent damage in the event of a roof collapse.

Sotak said the town has set aside more than $90,000 for the needed repair work. She said a structural report has been completed and a consultant is reviewing the situation.

Bids will soon be sought to address the roof problems.

Sotak said the carousel repair project is a "high priority" and she hopes the work can be done as soon as possible.

At this point, the supervisor said there's no projected date for opening the ride.

Park users have expressed sadness that kids and adults will be unable to enjoy merry-go-round rides.

The carousel has been a fixture at Highland Park for nearly four decades. Prior to its move to the Endwell site, it had been located in En-Joie Park in Endicott.

The Highland Park ride is one of six merry-go-rounds donate by shoe magnate George F. Johnson. The Binghamton area has become known as the "Carousel Capital of the World" because of the concentration of the rides, which Johnson insisted must always be available free of charge.

The roof of the carousel is in need of repair work. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.