During Tuesday’s work session, council members are scheduled to discuss the details and financial possibilities of the carousel and gauge the interest of the city in going further with the project, which could make it an attraction.

“If you can imagine a community that has a historical carousel, it … might be a very nice thing for a park,” City Manager George Lahanas said. “But to accept a historical carousel … could be a big project. (It’s) a neat thing, but I’m not sure if it’s going to be possible for us.”

The carousel originally was constructed in 1916 and was first used in Flint, Mich., before it was moved to Crystal, Mich., 22 years later, MSU Museum Director Gary Morgan said in an email.

To keep up the conservation efforts, the city would have to schedule annual inspections with the MSU Museum, and all repairs and restoration efforts must be done by museum-approved vendors, according to the draft of the lease agreement for the carousel.

MSU has been responsible for the carousel since it acquired it in the late 1970s.

The draft of the lease agreement also states the city would have to construct a shelter to house the carousel in and pay for the transportation of all the parts to the yet-to-be-decided location.

Despite the underlying costs that inevitably come with the addition of the historic carnival ride, Mayor Pro Tem Nathan Triplett said he is interested in exploring the idea further with the council.

“I think it’s an exciting opportunity for the city to explore,” Triplett said. “It’s certainly an attraction for our community and would have the potential to add another destination location to bring visitors and residents to the city.”

Communication senior Staci Burlingame said the project, while unique, might not be the best use of city funds.

“(A carousel) would be cool, but I think more (of it) would be dependent on the cost,” Burlingame said. “I think there are more things that could be done to better the city.”