Friendship Fountain and Park Taylor Hardwick

the original friendship fountain , park

friendship fountain on southbank riverwalk 1 of jacksonville, floridas recognizable , popular attractions. begun in 1963 , opened in march 1965, fountain billed world s tallest , largest , became popular tourist attraction. entire 14-acre (57,000 m) park , fountain built $1,750,000 on land donated group of southside businessmen. @ time, streams of water seen virtually location downtown , nearby southside. 3 pumps had combined 750 horsepower (560 kw) , push 17,000 gallons per minute; streams tall 10-story building. enclosure pumps , controls large hardwick incorporated feature rather visual annoyance.

the fountain functioned on 20 years before pumps refurbished in december 1985, , performed 15 years. finally, wear , corrosion forced closure @ end of century. five-month, $1,300,000 rehabilitation began when fountain drained in march 2001. new features added , fountain major attraction @ super bowl xxxix in february 2005. 2 months later, 2 of 3 original 40-year-old pumps failed , parts no longer available. replacement cost pumps estimated @ $400,000, , city budget tight , money not available.

the fountain @ night 1 pump

the fountain has been running on 1 pump since reduced flow. future of jacksonville landmark unsure. number of proposals made, including moving kids kampus metropolitan park , eliminating fountain, rebuilding smaller fountain, or renovating existing fountain.

in 2011 city decided put efforts restoring jacksonville s historic landmark , hired local commercial fountain manufacturer, delta fountains, renovate fountain. year-long project added new features , new light , water show.

german manufacturer hansgrohe, producer of high-end plumbing fixtures, featured friendship fountain (and architect taylor hardwick) in series of print advertisements focus worldwide attention on need preserve , maintain work of art.