Evanston seeks community input for Fountain Square renovation

Stephanie Kelly, Assistant City Editor

The city is soliciting input on the upcoming renovation of Fountain Square, the small plaza downtown near World of Beer.

The comments will help to develop four possible concepts for Fountain Square to be presented in early 2015, the city said.

Suzette Robinson, director of public works, said at a City Council meeting in September that a redesign would fix the park’s failing infrastructure and poor usability.

Residents can leave their suggestions at one of the colored mailboxes located in the square or at one of the participating businesses that have a sign on their front window. Members can connect with the city on Instagram to share their ideas. Residents can also submit drawings of their proposed designs on “coloring pages” provided by the city.

The current Fountain Square, which includes Sherman Plaza, Sherman Avenue — between Church and Davis streets — and adjacent landscape areas, was constructed in 1976, according to Robinson’s presentation to City Council. In the past, the square has been used for Veterans Day and Memorial Day services, in addition to festivals and celebrations.

Once the square is renovated, it will still serve as a veterans memorial and incorporate a fountain centerpiece, according to the news release.

The city hopes its Halloween and Harvest special events, which take place from Oct. 25 to Oct. 27, will give residents a chance to brainstorm ideas for the fountain. As community members gather for the events, they can come up with ways to improve the square.

The coloring pages, which can be found at the Evanston Public Library, the Evanston History Center and online, can be submitted during the scheduled events.

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