Restored Fountains Return to Franklin and Blackstone Parks

As of Monday, July 29, the long-awaited historic fountains that have been missing from Franklin and Blackstone Parks for several months have been re-installed. 

The city-funded $625,000 project that was originally planned to have the fountains back by the spring was pushed back to mid-May, then to the end of July due to winter snowstorms and other setbacks. 

The fountains weren't just restored to look nice. The new fountains were built a new pumping system to filter and recycle water through the fountain, a step that will save a significant amount of money in the long run, according to Courtney Troutman, president of the Friends of Blackstone and Franklin Square Parks. 

Previously the water in the fountain came in through the city's line, then when right down the drain. 

"Just the idea of the water going down the drain was terrible, and that was going on for years and years," Troutman told South End Patch in early April.  "And the cast iron fountain will be restored. Before it was just a little dribble, and I think the whole basin will be filled with water, so it will be much improved and will be really beautiful." 

Are you happy to see the fountains returned to their former glory? Or are you just happy there's no longer a big hole in the ground? Tell us in the comments.