The Welsh Fountain is a historic landmark of West Fairmount Park, originally built to honor the chairman of the board of finance of the United States 1876 Centennial Exhibit, John Welsh. Fairmount Park Conservancy, in partnership with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, has taken upon rehabilitating the fountain and its landscape while improving safety, comfort, and accessibility for park users.
On Tuesday, April 30th, we hosted our third community engagement at the Center for Parks at Ohio House where people learned more about the project, shared feedback on design ideas, engaged in interactive activities, and enjoyed light snacks.
On Saturday September 9th, we hosted our second community engagement event at the Welsh Fountain. Participants heard ideas from the design team, shared their feedback, enjoyed free water ice, and helped Tiny WPA build their temporary installation.
On Thursday July 13th, we hosted our first engagement event Reimagining the Welsh Fountain. Community members learned about the project, shared ideas, prototyped designs with Tiny WPA and enjoyed free pretzels and water ice.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Since the Fountain’s original construction and up until at least the late 1970s, this site was used by community members as a place to gather with friends, play music, or simply sit and enjoy the water. Building off of the recent pedestrian improvement projects at Parkside Edge and Parkside Gap and the Harvest Fest celebration in Fall 2022, Fairmount Park Conservancy will continue to improve park amenities and welcome residents of all ages into West Fairmount Park.
Starting Summer 2023, the Conservancy will have conversations with stakeholders and nearby community members through a series of pop up events to learn how they would use this space if it was improved. Simultaneously, the design team will begin investigating existing conditions while compiling relevant historical information on the Fountain and its surrounding landscape. We look forward to sharing the outcome of these conversations this Fall!
PROJECT TIMELINE
SUMMER 2023:
- Activation and Community Engagement
FALL 2023:
- Welsh Fountain Concept Design
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