Lake Lisgar fountain to be removed Saturday
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Enjoy the glorious Indian summer weather we have been experiencing the last few days and the backdrop that the fall colours provide around Lake Lisgar. But come this Saturday the fountain that adds to the lake’s breathtaking scenery will be removed, cleaned and prepared for winter storage.
Time passes quickly but surprisingly, the residents and visitors to the town have had this jewel to enjoy for over 20 years now! The fountain was purchased in the fall of 1994 during Phase II of the Lake Lisgar Renaissance project to assist in the selling of the year two cash calendars at the time. That part of the fundraising effort was a major contribution for the Joint Service Coalition, as over the length of the project they were able to raise $750,000 to restore the bridge, add fish habitat, the aeration system and the building of the the aquatic garden and dock that the model boat club thoroughly enjoys. The project culminated by providing its remaining funds to aid in the construction of the new Rowing Club building in 1998.
The Kinsmen (fountaineers) as they are referred to in the Club, have been installing, removing and servicing the fountain ever since it was first floated. In recent years Bram Dey has donated his crane and his time to assist the Kinsmen in removing the fountain and its cable assemblies along with the barge used to service the fountain and place them on trailers for a trip to the car wash to be cleaned for winter storage. The reverse is done on the first Saturday in May.
The 15 horsepower pump was replaced mid-season in 2000 after several thousand hours of operation. It was sorely missed by passersby at the time, but the Club had to stop and fundraise for the repairs so there wasn’t any cost to the taxpayers, other than the hydro to operate the fountain and lights. At that time alterations were also made to the cooling around the pump itself and many more years of carefree operation have resulted.
Then it was mysteriously damaged (somehow ?) a few years ago and had to be removed to be repaired again in the middle of the season.
A crane was called in to remove the fountain, the repairs done to the piping on the spot and the fountain refloated the say day.
Then three years ago the Kinsmen were approached by one of its former past members, Dr. Glenn Springer. He and his wife Ellen had an interest to ensure the beauty of Lake Lisgar continues on in perpetuity. The Springers therefore donated $50,000 to the town for the lake and nearly half of the funds were used to paint both the Kinsmen Bridge (which was constructed in 1993) and the gazebo and the associated walkway which were built in 1996.
Fortunately the Club has had minimal costs to maintain the fountain but it is comforting to know that the funds are there when needed to make the necessary repairs.
It is also very gratifying to the Coalition members of the past that recently a new concerned citizens group has completed several other improvements to the lake’s eco systems under the Lake Lisgar Revitalization Project banner.
Together these two projects have been very instrumental in maintaining and enhancing the jewel in the centre of our town.
Pat Carroll
Life Member & Project Chairman
Kinsmen Club of Tillsonburg