Summary of input from our fifth meeting on November 29th:

Goals for 5th Meeting:
Finalize a site plan and choose a final concept for the fountain.

The 5th meeting successfully concluded the community-based design charette process. The group was introduced to the two plans that were based off of feedback from the 4th meeting. Small groups took time to assess the two different plans then presented which plan they like the best and changes that they would make. View the two plans here:
1 - The Long Benches and Beds Plaza
2 - The Many Benches Plaza

Mardi Solomon, of Crossroads Consulting, assisted us in coming to final consensus on many aspects of the site plan. Her facilitation was crucial during the final two meetings.

List of the items that the group came to consensus on:
Keep the look simple, uncluttered
Low maintenance
Keep focus on the fountain
Cut out much of the aggregate to increase grass/ground cover areas
Could use low ground covers other than grass
Include interpretive signage regarding the history of the park
Could include simple arbors, no strong feelings about the arbors
Use short benches placed strategically for the view
Put direction & location info on the ground using mosaic or stencils (e.g., neighborhood names, arrows, more distant locations)
No flower beds
In general, think of ways to add color to the park such as with mosaic, lighting, colored concrete, and painted benches.

The Fountain Concept
The group reached consensus about the following concept for the fountain: A natural stone waterfall, representing the original spring that fed the horse trough on the site in the early 1900's. Water will be coming out of rocks and cascading down, possibly in 3 directions to symbolize the 3 neighborhoods. The rocks could be of the same type as those used for seating/climbing. Use lighting on the waterfall (possibly colored lights) so that it is attractive at night time. Use rocks that are colorful (e.g., olivine). Try to integrate tree area, fountain, and plank road. Use existing reservoir.

Final Plan
The final site plan can be viewed here.
Download a larger pdf version of the site map here.
Soon we will have a photorealistic view of the proposed plan and fountain concept so check back soon or sign up for our email newsletter in the left green sidebar to keep posted. You can contact Jason at the information below

What's Next?
The next steps are to have the Parks Department take on permitting and any of the features that they have resources to fund. Additional funds are being sought to finance the redevelopment of the site through the neighborhoods, local businesses, private citizens, and grants. We need your help to raise the additional funds. To get involved in improving this gateway to three neighborhoods and namesake of the Fountain District, please contact Jason Darling, RE Store Outreach & Marketing Manager via email at jason(at)re-store.org or if you don't have email, call him and leave a message at RE Store: (360) 647-5921. He is taking it on as a volunteer project outside of RE Store business hours but can be contacted through RE Store.

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