Friendship Fountain

Located in what was then called the Dallas Thomas Park, Friendship Fountain was the largest and tallest fountain of its time. It was designed in 1963 by the architect Taylor Hardwick, and took two years of building up until the park opening in 1965 (Godwin). It was renamed in 1968, after the park’s finance commissioner Dallas Thomas was involved in scandals and indicted. It then became known as the “Friendship Fountain” at the suggestion of the members of the Rotary Club, whose club principles included strong friendship (“Friendship Fountain Grand Reopening”). The design of the fountain is remarkable in the fact that it is capable of shooting 17,000 gallons of water, 120 feet into the air, all in a matter of one minute (“Friendship Fountain”). Throughout constant needs of maintenance, it stands 50 years later as a landmark of Jacksonville architectural beauty. The fountains complex system allows for it to be operated both manually and automatically (Baughman). If operated manually, the operator has control over all lighting effects, as well as control over the operation
The City of Jacksonville was determined to keep such a memorable part of the cities history and with the help of the Mayor John Peyton and the City Council, a restoration plan was set forward in March of 2010. Restoration was completed with about $3.2 million in funds, and resulting in 5 months of closure (“Friendship Fountain Grand Reopening”). Broken concrete areas were replaced around the fountain with natural grass surfaces, seating opportunities were added, new sidewalks installed, as well as instillation of additional lights and trees. In addition, the project included refurbishment of the infrastructure of the fountain itself; specifically including the pipes, pumps, and electrical systems, in an attempt to restore it’s iconic