FERRAN PARK FOUNTAIN ART

Beautiful downtown Eustis Ferran Park's historical fountain has long been one of the center pieces of this lovely oasis. Now thanks to the efforts of PAM it has a new look that is drawing folks from all over.

Dedicated in 1959 in memory of E.L. Ferran , this landmark has been a prominent member of the community and park. The new design, as envisioned by artist Doug Hays, has restored the fountain with a renewed beauty and grace while maintaining its historic feel. The fountain makeover has become a piece of permanent Art on Display for all to enjoy. The new design also features water-savings benefit as well, allowing for the water to be constantly recycled, saving the county and the environment while providing an impressive display of "working art".

he elegant Florida Heron sculpture glistens in majestic glory as the centerpiece of Ferran Park's fountain. The base is designed for safety and beauty. Since it's unveiling last September, (seen here Mayor James Rotella and artist Doug Hays) it has been a true focal point at the park with its beauty and function. We can not thank all those who help with their donations, the City of Eustis for their help and of course artist Doug Hays whose vision has come to life.

 

FOUNTAIN GREEN

Putting the “Fountain” in Fountain Green
Dedication ceremony recognizes the new portable park in the heart of Eustis
A formal dedication ceremony for Fountain Green was held at the corner of Eustis Street and Magnolia Avenue in downtown Eustis.
Once an empty, barren 3.6 acre lot in the middle  of downtown Eustis, the site of the former Florida Hospital Waterman, Fountain Green is
now a refreshing, inspirational respite for the enjoyment of all visitors thanks to a partnership project between the Lake Community Foundation,
the City, and local arts groups.
The City of Eustis agreed to lease the site from the Lake Community Foundation and turn a construction site in the middle of downtown into a pleasing vista. The stipulation of the agreement was that all of the City’s improvements were to be temporary and could easily be removed at the
conclusion of the lease. All of the improvements were designed to preserve the Lake Community Foundation’s investment in infrastructure for future development when the property is sold.
A partnership was created to facilitate the design and implementation
of the Fountain Green project. Partners with the City in this project
include: Lake Community Foundation, Main Street’s division of
Public Arts & Music, Lake Eustis Institute, Lake Eustis Museum of
Art, Bay Street Players, Quality Trees and Shrubs, and the Eustis
Community Redevelopment Area (CRA).
In creating the park, curvilinear walking paths were made of
helicopter pads owned by the city and purchased as military surplus.
Bricks were from manhole construction. The helicopter pads were
also used for pedestals for the art pieces. The gazebo, columns
fountain are all moveable and recyclable. Trees, plants, plant
materials and plant material were donated by Quality Trees and
Shrubs, and the columns, which originally came from Disney World,
are on loan from one of the partners. The fountain was donated to
the City by the Lorenz Family who owns a construction firm that had
demolished the Mercado Shopping Plaza in Orlando.
The art on the Fountain Green includes pieces from the City’s public art collection and several on   loan from the artists.
Abstract Steel – Doug Hays
Innocents (ceramic) - Lois Crisp Stover
Mother Bear and Cub (lava rock) – Norman Tank
The Anhinga (mild steel) – Doug Hays
Bike Rack (powder-coated steel) – Doug Hays
Field of Poppies (steel) – Brenda Heim and Doug Hays
Panther (Coquina stone) – Norman Tank
Fountain Green brings Eustis closer to its vision of being an arts and culture destination. The City plans to build on this with a City-wide art sculpture program and artist in-residence program. The name “Fountain Green” is based on the original Fountain Hotel that was located on the site. It is
now a downtown focal point that offers a refreshing, inspirational respite for the enjoyment of visitors and has improved the morale of our Downtown businesses and rekindled a sense of pride in the community.
 

SETTLE ON ART

An ongoing project, PAM is committed to providing one of a kind benches throughout the downtown area. The new benches would provide seating for visitors will maintaining an artistic feel of an art-conscience community.

Bus stops and bicycle racks.

Now that the new bus line goes through Eustis, PAM is helping coordinate bus stops with a flair for the Arts. New designs for bicycle racks in the works, will help encourage our community be green and healthy .

For more on the Arts in Eustis and Lake County contact the Arts Initiative (Brenda Heim, Doug Hays, Kace Montegomery)