About Us

The Rocky Springs Carousel Association (RSCA)  is an independent nonprofit organization, formed in 1999 to enter into a lease-purchase agreement to bring Lancaster’s historic wooden carousel back home. The c.1924 carousel, by famed Philadelphia manufacturer Gustav Dentzel, had once been a grand attraction at the Rocky Springs Park, south of Lancaster city, until the park closed in 1983, and the carousel ended up moving to Dollywood In TN. The RSCA, led by dedicated volunteers and championed by former Lancaster Mayor Charlie Smithgall, raised $1.3 million to save the historic carousel from being broken up and sold to antique collectors, and returned it to a safe storage location in Lancaster, where it has remained for two decades.


Restoration of the 48 animals and it’s Gavioli band organ were started, however, plans to locate the carousel in North Queen Street's Lancaster Square near Binn’s Park fell through in 2005-06, when a developer couldn't be found and civic plans changed.  With the help of Mayor Danene Sorace, a group of advocates, and the RSCA's Acting President, Rob Ecklin, the RSCA was reactivated formally in late 2020. 

We are seeking leaders and volunteers with the skills, energy and enthusiasm to help us find a partnering organization and the right location for the Stoner Carousel.