Friends of Garfield Park Report on Fountain and Sunken Garden Restoration Project
June, 2023
Friends of Garfield Park, Indy Parks and Smock Fansler Corporation (expert fountain and concrete contractor) are working together to renovate the historic Garfield Park fountains and to repair worn hardscape in the Garfield Park Sunken Garden. FOGP has been working with our partners since 2019 to assess the conditions of the fountains and develop a report detailing the renovation and repair needs. In 2021, FOGP conducted a feasibility study and launched a capital campaign. Since then, FOGP has received over $500,000 in pledges to the campaign, a $7,500 grant from Indiana Landmarks plus a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. of $2.5 million toward the renovation.
Starting in early Spring, 2023, FOGP and partners began working together to complete a preliminary design plan for the fountains and evaluate hardscape needs including walls, stairs, and pavers. Completing the design and acquiring permits is expected to take until Fall, 2023.
Our goal is to restore the historic splendor of the fountains including dancing water and colorful lights and to maintain them for future generations. Timeline. We hope to start construction work on the fountains in October, 2023 with a projected completion date of Labor Day, 2024. In addition, our goal is to begin work on the hardscape this Summer.
Why are the fountains down now? Good question. Parts of the fountains were disassembled last fall to complete diagnostic tests to aid in the planning process. It did not make sense to reassemble them and spend money this summer in an attempt to keep these fickle fountains running prior to the renovation. What can you do to help? We are glad you asked that question! Projected costs for the project have increased since the original assessment in 2019. In addition, time has continued to damage hardscape and fountain elements beyond their 2019 conditions, necessitating more costly repairs.
Therefore, FOGP has raised the campaign goal to $3.5 million ($500,000 more than the amount already committed/donated) to cover additional costs, ensure long-term maintenance and fund Garden accessibility and beautification. You can help by going to our website at garfieldparkindy.org to donate or send your gift/pledge to Friends of Garfield Park, P.O. Box 33002, Indianapolis, IN 46023. Or contact Mike Lennox at mlennox@garfieldparkindy.org if you would like to discuss donation details.
Watch for future reports!