SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ—The iconic 1910 Dr. Floyd L. Moreland Carousel has reopened in Seaside Heights following a comprehensive nine-year restoration effort. The Ocean County Board of Commissioners, including Deputy Director Gary Quinn and Commissioner Frank Sadeghi, celebrated the event with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 28.
The restoration project involved the collaborative efforts of volunteers, Carousels & Carvings for mechanical refurbishment, and local artist Marie deSaules, who restored many of the carousel’s horses. The project also included the restoration of the original Wurlitzer organ, enhancing the nostalgic experience for visitors.
The ceremony was attended by notable figures such as Seaside Heights Mayor Anthony Vaz, members of the Borough Council, Public Works Department employees, trustees of the Seaside Heights Historical Society, and NJ Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suarez. Borough Administrator Christopher Vaz served as the unofficial ride operator for the day.
In addition to the carousel, a new museum dedicated to Seaside Heights history is set to open within the carousel house at a future date, promising to offer residents and visitors alike a deeper look into the rich cultural tapestry of the area.