LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — The City Parks and Recreation department and Lincoln Parks Foundation are encouraging the public to take a survey to help determine the future of the 40-year-old Bicentennial Cascade Fountain located on the southeast corner of 27th and Capitol Parkway.
The fountain was built in 1978 and no longer functions properly due to age and failing internal mechanisms.
The city is considering four options on what to do with the fountain:
- Making repairs only would cost an estimated $900,000
- Repairing and improving the fountain would cost an estimated $1.1 million
- Removing the fountain and replacing it with a splash pad and seating would cost an estimated $1.1 million
- Removing the fountain and replacing it with a plant conservatory for seasonal displays and programs would cost an estimated $2 million
"The fountain is a well-known icon in the community," said Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird. "Today, we look to the future and ask our residents to help shape a vision that ensures enjoyment of the Cascade Fountain site for generations to come," Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said in a news release.
Lincoln Park Foundation Executive Director Maggie Stuckey says visitors will find information and a link to do the survey on-site.
Last year, fountain design experts did an analysis on the water feature and discovered a list of issues including piping and electrical corrosion, damage to the walls, sidewalk cracking and lightning no longer works.
The fountain is often referred to as the "Teachers Fountain" and was the result of collaboration between Lincoln Area Retired Teachers Association (now Lincoln Area Retired School Personnel) and the Parks and Rec department to commemorate the nation's Bicentennial.
It was also dedicated to Nebraska retired teachers.
