Buckeye Reporter

The historic Butler Perozzi Fountain in Lithia Park 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.

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. 

A report has been completed by a qualified historic preservation firm and fountain specialists. According to the report, two categories of options are available that will sufficiently address the failing state of the Fountain:

1. Restore/Repair the Fountain on Site:
   1. Honor the historic nature of the fountain by restoring the portions of the fountain that are failing and replacing missing and crumbling pieces of marble with matching marble.
   2. Repair all concrete, mechanical and plumbing fixtures with new components.
   3. Generally, keep the fountain the same with focused improvements to the fountain to improve the overall look and function of the Fountain – similar to plastic surgery.
2. Remove and Replace the Fountain with a Replica:
   1. Replicate the fountain in size, design and function with new materials, which could be marble, bronze or another material that will hold up to the elements better than the current marble.
   2. Remove the existing Fountain and explore options for relocating the historic Fountain to an undetermined location where it can still be on display but protected from the elements.

Both scenarios – Restoration and Replacement – have similar estimated priced tags of approximately $500,000. Overtime, the Restoration option will require more maintenance costs, compared to the Replacement option that will replace the current marble material with a more weather resistant material

The public can submit comments at ashland.or.us/bpfountain. The Deadline to submit comments is February 6, 2023 by 10 a.m.  All comments received will be presented at the February 8, 2023 APRC Regular Business Meeting

For information on APRC visit AshlandParksandRec.org. Follow on Facebook and Instagram @AshlandParksandRec. For more Information on the Ashland Parks Foundation at AshlandParksFoundation.org.  

Original source can be found here