Grand Re-Opening October 19
Deering Oaks Fountain Renovation to Begin

A prominent landmark in the City of Portland is about to receive a majorrenovation, thanks to a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors. The Deering Oaks Fountain Project will begin this week, as over one million gallons of water are drained from the Deering Oaks Pond in preparation for the installation of a new fountain. Once the pond is fully drained and dry, Parks and Public Works crews will begin removingyears of sediment from the pond area. Site preparation will continue through the week of September 11, whenthe installation of the new fountain is planned. The new fountain will have over 40 nozzles – more than twice as many nozzles as the old fountain. The vertical spray will reach a height of 30feet, and all nozzles will have lighting - making for a spectacular view.

Project costs are approximately $170,000 -including design, constructionof fountain with a new fountain base, electrical upgrades, new pumps, new pump vault and new pipes.
The City allocated approximately $120,000 from its Housing andCommunity Development block grant to help fund the project. The City also received a very large and generous donation from the Charles E.Stickney, Jr. Family.

The first spray fountain in Deering Oaks was installed in 1885. Thecurrent fountain was installed in the early 1960's. The more than 40-year-old fountain has seen many repairs over the years, and with replacement partsnow unavailable, work began on the design of a new Deering OaksFountain. Risbara Brothers Construction is constructing the new fountain, withengineering and design work being conducted by Woodard & Curran. A grand re-opening ceremony for the new fountain is scheduled forThursday, October 19, 6:30 p.m.