City accepting donations for Ely Square Fountain

The city of Elyria is asking residents for help in replacing the Ely Square Fountain with a Ely Square Bicentennial Fountain Capital Campaign.

In 2016, the city held a public meeting to get input from residents and what they wanted to see come out of the new fountain.

The current fountain, last updated in 1970, is rapidly deteriorating because of constant use, age and weather, according to a media release.

The city is asking for help in replacing rusted pipes and valves, frayed wirings, chipped concrete and worn out fittings.

For six generations, the square – also called the community’s living room – has been the place residents go to reflect, play, propose, depart, return, remember, commemorate and celebrate, the release said.

It is the sacred ground in the heart of the city and is the keeper of Elyrian’s dreams and deepest thoughts and aspirations, and the fountain is the focal point of it all.

In order for the fountain to be updated, the city would need to raise $900,000.

It will feature a threetiered fountain, complete with large spray plumes, infinity pools, changing colored lights and some interactive features, which will maintain a traditional yet more up-to-date look for today’s downtown, the release said. It also is handicap accessible.

The fountain will be an added attraction to Middle Avenue, East Avenue and Third Street, new lighting, cross walks, curbs, bike lanes, the new Pioneer Plaza And Elyria Arts Council, the release said.

Discount Drug Mart also is partnering with the city to sell bicentennial souvenir memorabilia with all proceeds being donated by Drug Mart to the fountain project.

If the city doesn’t raise all the money, it will make adjustments to the design to accommodate the budget, the release said.

All donors will be recognized, with their permission, via newspaper, radio and cable television channel 12, and the city’s website.

Donors at or above $1,000 will be recognized on a Donor Recognition Wall Sign to be erected in Ely Square.

Contributions can be made via secure server at the city’s website at www. cityofelyria.org.