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Originally Posted by LMich
Bronson Park is one of the nicer central squares in the state; I've always been a bit jealous of it.  I know it's very unlikely to happen since we just don't much do this anymore in this country, but a soaring monument would be such a great addition to the park, if even just a modern, scaled-down take on the likes of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monuments in Detroit and Indianapolis.
Really, I'd have just been for just reworking the fountain. But it seems that this was really just about using the fountain's controversial nature to remove something that costs a bit to maintain. Most of Lansing's downtown fountains got removed, and it was always put down to the cost of upkeep. The only reason the big historic one in Reutter Park has stayed is just that: It's big and historic and residents would have a fit if they removed it. Given that it was a gift, I bet their is probably some kind of deed restriction attached to it, too. |
It is definitely an asset to the city. I agree that there was more motivation than racial tension that led to the demise of the fountain and the adjacent children sculptures. The 'Lunchtime Live' and Summer concert series really activate the space. The added green space for audiences will be good (the best seating locations having been where the water features stood). I only wish that the traffic of adjacent Park St. wasn't so close / so loud. It kinda makes having a covered band shell right there seem silly.
Removal of the main fountain is scheduled to begin next week. We'll see if it goes quietly.
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Removal of controversial Bronson Park fountain starts next week
Malachi Barrett | MLive
April 17, 2018
KALAMAZOO, MI -- The process to remove Bronson Park's Fountain of the Pioneers will start next week. Expect to see construction fences go up around the fountain complex this week. Both reflecting pools will be replaced with lawn panels, while three upper sections of the 78-year-old fountain, including its most controversial elements, will be disassembled and put into storage...
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The estimated cost to deconstruct the fountain is $225,000. Wightman & Associates conducted a digital scan of the fountain and photo documentation in March for the city archives and to aid in possible reconstruction efforts in the future.