Friday, February 16, 2024

UPDATE: Town fountain gets a stay of 'execution'

 

The Lion Head Fountain was chosen and purchased as a major focal point of the town square.


The town fountain, which was recently recommended for removal by the Parks & Rec Committee, has been given a stay.

Parks & Rec changed its vote after borough resident Nora Motter Stark spoke about the history of the fountain and the town square at the committee's February 8 meeting. 

The issue will be discussed further at the March 5 Columbia Borough Council Work Session. Stark urges residents to attend. 

This plaque is located at the Locust Street entrance to the town square. 


History of the Town Square
The Columbia Town Square was officially dedicated on April 17, 2004, after design and construction began ciirca 2000-2001. Funding came from various sources, including grants, community donations, and Columbia Borough. The Columbia Town Gardeners played a significant role in the project, with approximately 32 active members. The group, consisting of local residents, assisted with landscape design, construction, and daily care and maintenance.
 
In 2002, the "Snowdrops of Hope" campaign was launched to create a living memorial planting on the Town Square in remembrance of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. The campaign received donations from hundreds of local citizens, organizations, and businesses.

Columbia's Youth, including high school students and the Boy Scouts, helped plant 23 varieties of bulbs. There was a bulb planted for each person who perished in the September 11th tragedy.

The fountain 
The Lion Head Fountain was chosen and purchased as a major focal point of the park, funded exclusively by donations from the community. Maintenance of the fountain and landscaping have been ongoing issues.

[Source: Nora Motter Stark]

*****************

Why the fountain was recommended for removal
Following informal discussion at the February 6, 2024 Columbia Borough Council Work Session, council members agreed to remove the nonfunctional fountain from the town square.

Columbia has been incurring a monthly cost of approximately $20 for the water line connected to the fountain, according to Borough Manager Mark Stivers. Mayor Lutz added that the fountain's pump frequently malfunctioned due to the absence of a shutoff valve, causing the motor to burn out when the water level dropped too low. Lutz said he personally replaced the pump twice

Stivers said the fountain had been neglected and was no longer being maintained.

No comments: