In 2019, Public Lands requested and received funding to rehabilitate the fountain. The scope included study, design, and construction of the selected improvements. In 2020 and 2021, Public Lands engaged a consultant to assess the feasibility of various options for the fountain and engaged in a period of public engagement to assess public priorities. Due to increased awareness of water use throughout the City, the options presented were to decommission the fountain or adapt the art as a dry fountain. Over 70% of respondents to a public survey prioritized redesigning the fountain to make it a dry feature within Liberty Park. However, after staff consideration and numerous comments expressing the desire for a water element, Public Lands also began investigating adapting the fountain as a low-flow feature.
The design team, consisting of representation from the City’s Engineering Division, Public Lands Department, Public Utilities, the original fountain artists, and the consulting firm ArcSitio, are exploring alternative designs for the fountain that reduce water use, maintain or appropriately adapt the original artwork, and consider maintenance and operations. The team is studying construction costs, intent of the original artwork, maintenance and operations costs, and water flow. Options are being considered for adapting the fountain as a dry or low-flow interactive art feature.
In early 2023, Public Lands will share the findings of the design team, as well as the public engagement conducted in 2021. Depending on the outcome, Public Lands may need to pursue a Budget Amendment to amend the scope of work for the project.
Public Lands is anticipating the study being completed in early 2023 and anticipates beginning design in Fall 2023 with construction to follow in Spring 2024.