The Leesburg Arts Commission voted April 1 to repair a downtown public piano after commissioners heard from staff and volunteers that the instrument had suffered weather damage and missing internal parts.

Commission member Leah said an inspection by the piano’s tuner, Sean Panner, found parts missing from the interior and that exposure to rain and direct sun had accelerated deterioration. “He said it looked like somebody stole one,” Leah reported, summarizing the tuner’s assessment. Leah said the tuner estimated repairs and tuning would cost about $600 and likely keep the piano playable through the rest of the year.

Commissioners discussed security and preservation measures, including orienting the piano differently to reduce sun exposure, adding a sign to deter tampering, screwing down access panels, using a tarp or plexiglass cover, and exploring removable vinyl decals or wraps as a less-permanent decorative option.

Leah said small stabilization fixes had already been made — staff and volunteers had temporarily secured a drawer and removed damp felt to reduce sticking — but that a professional repair and tuning were needed to restore full playability. The commission voted to authorize the repair and asked staff to contract with the tuner to proceed.

The commission also directed staff to follow up on longer-term options for protecting the piano, including shade or repositioning the instrument, and to report back if further funding or council approval is required.

“Once we get past spring, it’ll be better,” Leah said, noting the combination of heavy rain and temperature swings had stressed the instrument’s wooden and felt components.

The commission’s motion authorizing the repair passed unanimously in the meeting record; the meeting did not record a roll-call tally of votes.