Cole Park Fountain to Get Nearly $10K Fix

A fountain that was a gift to Madison in 1918 is in line for needed repairs.

The Cole Park Fountain, part of Cole Park at Fairview and Greenwood avenues, is slated to receive $8,000 in Madison Open Space funds under a proposal introduced by the Borough Council. The ordinance is up for a hearing and vote on Monday.

Another $1,700 has been raised privately, said Cathie Coultas, a member of the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Advisory Committee.

The fountain is decorated with tiles. By the early 1990s, the fountain had deteriorated quite a bit, and the top part was removed to protect it until money was raised for a $25,000 repair. It was rededicated in 1995, Coultas said.

Now, there are hairline cracks and chips in the concrete that need to be repaired, and mildew to clean. The borough "really needs a craftsman to do the job," Coultas said.