Thomas Lowry Park – Seven Pools Replacement Replacement of the almost 100-year old cascade waterfall within Thomas Lowry Park

Project Milestones

Start of construction is expected to begin Spring 2021. It is anticipated that the project will be complete end of Summer 2021.

History

May 15, 2019

Board of Commissioners approves Fundraising Agreement between the MPRB and Friends of Thomas Lowry Park intended to support rehabilitation of the Seven Pools Fountain

October 16, 2019

Board of Commissioners approve Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) Action Plan Project Funding Agreement

November 04, 2020

Board of Commissioners approve construction contract for replacement of the Seven Pools Fountain

Funding Sources & Park History

Thomas Lowry Park includes several features that are unique in the Minneapolis park system, including a pergola, brick walkways, and extensive landscaping. The centerpiece of Thomas Lowry Park is the Seven Pools Fountain, a graceful cascade of water through seven basins, which was constructed in 1924 following a design created by Phelps Wyman. The MPRB has directed significant attention to perpetuating the Seven Pools Fountain but its age makes even annual operations and maintenance difficult. Mechanical systems have aged, and water loss through defects in the basins and cascades can be significant.

Thomas Lowry Park is part of the Southwest Service Area and is addressed in the Southwest Service Area Master Plan. The directions for the park indicate, as demonstrated in the Master Plan, that the unique features of the park would be retained.

A Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) Agreement between the Lowry Hill Neighborhood Association, the City of Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board was approved by the Board of Commissioners, allowing the neighborhood association to contribute and the MPRB to accept $300,000 toward the reconstruction of Seven Pools Fountain. Funding for the replacement of the fountain will come from the NRP funds, at least $125,000 raised by the Friends of Thomas Lowry Park, as well as MPRB NPP20 funding.