NEXT STEPS
Parks Commissioners directed staff on February 8, 2023 to restore the marble fountain where possible and repair, upgrade or replace infrastructure including plumbing, electrical, lighting and cement work as outlined in the ARG report and supported by the Ashland Parks Foundation.
The Ashland Parks Foundation will now launch a capital campaign to fund the restoration or the Butler Perozzi Fountain and upgrade of the surrounding infrastructure, Learn more.
Once the funds are raised APRC will put out a request for proposals to further develop the restoration plan and carry out the work. Read more about the project below.
BACKGROUND
The Butler-Perrozi Fountain (the “Fountain”) has a long history in Lithia Park – see more info. The Fountain has been a backdrop for photos for generations and the site has provided a quiet place of meditation above the Park for just as long. Unfortunately, the beauty of the Fountain, manifest in Italian marble, is literally crumbling due to prolonged exposure to the elements. Additionally, the concrete steps and landing for the fountain are also in disrepair, as are the mechanical and plumbing mechanisms.
The historic Fountain is in dire need of renovation and Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission (APRC) is soliciting feedback from the public on the options that are available to address the current failing state of the Fountain.
A report – see report here – has been completed by a qualified historic preservation firm that includes recommendations to address the current state of the fountain and surrounding infrastructure.
COST OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT
The $500,000 estimate, as outlined in detail in the report, includes work done on the fountain as well as the stairs, pool, surrounding concrete, and plumbing infrastructure.
FUNDING FOR THIS PROJECT The Ashland Parks Foundation (the “Foundation”), a charitable non-profit organization, has agreed to fund the project with existing funds in their budget and through future donations. The Foundation has already dedicated a just under half of the cost of the project and will raise the remaining funds.
For more information on the Fountain and Lithia Park check out the book by John Enders, Lithia Park: The Heart and Soul of Ashland available at Bloomsburry Books (all proceeds benefit APRC)
PUBLIC MEETING RECORDS
The Butler Perozzi Fountain has been discussed at the following Ashland Parks and Recreation Board of Commission meetings.