How to Sunset Friendship Fountain Jacksonville

The Friendship Fountain in Jacksonville, Florida, is more than a landmark—it’s a symbol of community, history, and shared public space. Designed in 1965 and once the largest fountain in the world, it has served as a gathering point for residents and visitors alike. But over time, changes in urban planning, environmental conditions, maintenance costs, and shifting public priorities have led to discussions about its future. “Sunsetting” the Friendship Fountain refers to the thoughtful, intentional process of retiring its active operation while preserving its cultural and architectural legacy. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap for how to sunset the Friendship Fountain Jacksonville, ensuring that the transition honors its past, respects its community, and aligns with sustainable urban development goals.

Sunset planning is not demolition—it’s dignified transition. It involves strategic decommissioning, heritage documentation, adaptive reuse planning, public engagement, and environmental stewardship. Whether initiated by city officials, preservation groups, or community coalitions, sunsetting a landmark like the Friendship Fountain requires precision, empathy, and long-term vision. This tutorial walks you through every phase of the process, offering actionable steps, best practices, tools, real-world examples, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Step-by-Step Guide

Phase 1: Assess the Current State and Purpose

Before any action is taken, conduct a thorough evaluation of the fountain’s physical, functional, and cultural status. Begin by assembling a multidisciplinary team: civil engineers, structural analysts, historians, environmental consultants, urban planners, and community liaisons.

Document the fountain’s current condition through:

• High-resolution photogrammetry and 3D laser scanning
• Structural integrity assessments (cracks, corrosion, foundation settling)
• Water system diagnostics (pump efficiency, pipe leaks, filtration system age)
• Energy consumption analysis (electricity usage for pumps and lighting)
• Historical significance review (designer intent, landmark status, cultural impact)

Ask critical questions: Is the fountain still serving its original purpose as a public gathering space? Is it safe for public interaction? Are maintenance costs exceeding the value of its use? Is water usage sustainable given regional drought conditions? These answers will determine whether sunsetting is the most responsible path forward.

Phase 2: Define the Goals of Sunsetting

Clarify the objectives of sunsetting. Are you aiming to:

• Reduce long-term operational expenses?
• Conserve water and energy resources?
• Repurpose the space for broader community use?
• Preserve the structure as a static monument?
• Minimize environmental impact from chemical treatments and runoff?

Each goal requires a different approach. For example, if the primary goal is sustainability, the focus will be on decommissioning water systems and eliminating chemical use. If preservation is key, the emphasis shifts to structural stabilization and heritage documentation.

Develop a formal Sunsetting Charter that outlines goals, metrics for success, and stakeholder responsibilities. This document becomes the guiding framework for all future decisions.

Phase 3: Engage the Community

Public trust is essential. The Friendship Fountain holds emotional value for generations of Jacksonville residents. Ignoring community sentiment risks backlash and erodes civic goodwill.

Launch a multi-channel engagement campaign:

• Host three public forums at different locations (downtown, Riverside, and Southside) to gather input
• Create an interactive online portal where residents can submit stories, photos, and suggestions
• Partner with local schools to have students create art or essays about the fountain
• Organize a “Last Light” evening event with live music, historical exhibits, and guided tours

Use surveys to quantify sentiment. Include questions like:

• How often do you visit the fountain?
• What memories do you associate with it?
• Would you support replacing water features with a dry plaza featuring interpretive signage?
• Do you believe the structure should be preserved in its current form?

Ensure transparency by publishing all survey results and community feedback publicly. This builds credibility and demonstrates that decisions are data-informed and community-led.

Phase 4: Develop a Decommissioning Plan

Decommissioning is not simply turning off the water. It’s a systematic, phased shutdown of all systems to ensure safety, environmental compliance, and structural integrity.

Follow these steps:

1. Shut down water circulation systems — Isolate pumps, valves, and filtration units. Drain all reservoirs using environmentally approved methods to prevent contamination of stormwater systems.
2. Remove or cap electrical components — Disconnect underwater lighting, timers, and control panels. Ensure all wiring is safely capped and labeled for future access if needed.
3. Stabilize the structure — Apply protective sealants to exposed concrete to prevent freeze-thaw damage. Install temporary supports if structural instability is detected.
4. Manage hazardous materials — Test for lead-based paints, asbestos in older piping, or chemical residues. Dispose of all materials according to EPA and Florida DEP regulations.
5. Preserve key components — Salvage decorative tiles, bronze fixtures, or original pump motors for museum display or future restoration.

Document every step with photographic logs, video recordings, and technician sign-offs. This archive will be invaluable for historians and future restoration efforts.

Phase 5: Design the Adaptive Reuse Space

Once the fountain is decommissioned, the site should not be left barren. The goal is to transform the space into a meaningful, functional, and sustainable public area.

Consider these adaptive reuse options:

• Heritage Plaza — Retain the fountain’s original footprint and use preserved stone, tiles, and sculptures as artistic elements. Install interpretive plaques detailing its history, construction, and cultural significance.
• Green Oasis — Replace water features with native, drought-tolerant landscaping. Add benches, shade trees, and solar-powered lighting to create a quiet retreat.
• Interactive Learning Zone — Incorporate augmented reality (AR) kiosks that allow visitors to “see” the fountain in motion through their smartphones, with audio stories from longtime residents.
• Community Art Wall — Convert one side of the fountain basin into a rotating exhibition space for local artists, using weather-resistant panels mounted on the structure’s base.

Collaborate with landscape architects and public artists to ensure the new design respects the original geometry and spirit of the fountain while meeting modern usability standards.

Phase 6: Implement the Transition

Execution must be precise and minimally disruptive. Schedule work during low-traffic seasons (late fall or early winter) to reduce public inconvenience.

Break the project into phases:

1. Preparation (Weeks 1–2) — Install fencing, signage, and temporary pathways. Notify residents of closures via local media, social platforms, and neighborhood associations.
2. Decommissioning (Weeks 3–6) — Carry out water system shutdown, electrical disconnection, and hazardous material removal. Conduct daily environmental monitoring.
3. Structural Stabilization (Weeks 7–8) — Apply sealants, install supports, and document final condition.
4. Reimagining (Weeks 9–16) — Begin construction of the new public space. Use local contractors and materials to support the regional economy.
5. Unveiling (Week 17) — Host a “New Chapter” ceremony with community leaders, historians, artists, and residents. Present the legacy archive and new design elements.

Throughout, maintain a public-facing project dashboard with real-time updates, photo galleries, and timelines.

Phase 7: Archive and Educate

Preservation doesn’t end with physical changes. The story of the Friendship Fountain must live on.

Create a digital archive including:

• High-resolution 3D scans of the fountain in its final state
• Oral histories from longtime users and original designers’ descendants
• Construction blueprints, maintenance logs, and newspaper clippings
• Video documentaries of its operation, events, and cultural impact

Partner with the Jacksonville Public Library, the Museum of Science & History, and the University of North Florida to host a permanent exhibit. Offer downloadable educational kits for K–12 classrooms on urban infrastructure, public art, and environmental stewardship.

Launch a website—friendshipfountainjax.org—as a living archive. Allow the public to contribute memories, photos, and videos indefinitely.

Best Practices

Successful sunsetting of a public landmark like the Friendship Fountain relies on adherence to proven best practices. These principles ensure ethical, sustainable, and community-centered outcomes.

1. Prioritize Preservation Over Demolition

Never assume demolition is the only option. Even if the fountain no longer functions as a water feature, its structure can be preserved as a sculpture, monument, or architectural artifact. Concrete and stone from the 1960s often outlast modern materials. Reuse is always preferable to removal.

2. Adopt a “No Net Loss” Philosophy

For every public amenity removed, replace it with something of equal or greater community value. If water access is eliminated, provide shaded seating, public art, or interactive technology. If lighting is reduced, install energy-efficient solar fixtures. The goal is to maintain or enhance public space quality.

3. Use Sustainable Materials and Methods

During decommissioning and reuse, prioritize recycled concrete, reclaimed metals, native plants, and low-VOC sealants. Avoid synthetic turf or plastic installations that degrade quickly and contribute to microplastic pollution.

4. Maintain Transparency

Every decision, budget line, and vendor contract should be publicly accessible. Publish meeting minutes, environmental reports, and financial statements online. Transparency builds trust and reduces speculation.

5. Involve Diverse Voices

Engage not just longtime residents, but also youth, immigrants, artists, disability advocates, and environmental groups. A fountain may mean different things to different people. Ensure all perspectives are heard and documented.

6. Plan for Long-Term Maintenance

Even a sunsetting project requires upkeep. Design the new space to be low-maintenance. Use durable materials, automated irrigation (if needed), and community stewardship programs. Assign a maintenance budget in the city’s annual plan.

7. Document Everything

Keep a digital and physical archive of every step. Include before/after photos, engineering reports, community feedback summaries, and video interviews. This becomes a case study for other cities facing similar decisions.

8. Avoid Political Timing

Do not rush or delay the project for election cycles. Base decisions on data and community need—not political convenience. A well-executed sunsetting project can become a model of civic maturity.

9. Integrate with Broader Urban Plans

Align the sunsetting project with Jacksonville’s Comprehensive Plan, Climate Action Strategy, and Cultural Master Plan. This ensures it’s not an isolated act but part of a larger vision for sustainable, equitable urban development.

10. Celebrate the Legacy

Don’t treat sunsetting as an ending. Frame it as a transformation. Host events, create commemorative plaques, and name a nearby bench or tree in honor of the fountain’s history. Rituals matter.

Tools and Resources

Executing a complex project like sunsetting the Friendship Fountain requires access to specialized tools and authoritative resources. Below is a curated list to support each phase of the process.

Assessment and Documentation Tools

• DroneMapping Pro — For aerial surveys of the fountain and surrounding area.
• RealityCapture — Photogrammetry software to create 3D models from photos.
• Leica BLK360 — Laser scanner for precise structural measurements.
• Google Earth Pro — Historical imagery comparison to track changes over decades.

Community Engagement Platforms

• Participatory Budgeting Platform (PBP) — Allows residents to vote on design options.
• SpeakUp Jacksonville — City-run feedback portal for public input.
• Miro — Collaborative whiteboard for stakeholder workshops.
• SurveyMonkey — Customizable community surveys with geotagging.

Environmental and Engineering Resources

• Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) — Guidelines for water system decommissioning and hazardous material disposal.
• USDA Plant Database — For selecting native, drought-resistant plants.
• ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) — Standards for concrete preservation and structural stabilization.
• EPA WaterSense — Tools for water conservation planning.

Archival and Educational Resources

• Library of Congress Digital Collections — Historical photos and documents for reference.
• Preservation Directory (National Trust for Historic Preservation) — Best practices for landmark adaptation.
• Florida Memory Project — Digitized archives of Jacksonville’s history.
• Canva for Education — Free design tools for creating educational materials.

Grant and Funding Sources

• National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) — Our Town Grants — Funds for community-based arts projects.
• Florida Division of Historical Resources — Grants for historic preservation.
• Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) — Supports public space transformation.
• Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) — For infrastructure improvements in underserved areas.

Recommended Reading

• Adaptive Reuse of Historic Infrastructure — by Sarah Williams Goldhagen
• The Death and Life of Great American Cities — by Jane Jacobs
• Public Art: Theory, Practice and Populism — by Irit Rogoff
• Green Infrastructure: A Landscape Approach — by the American Society of Landscape Architects

Real Examples

Several cities have successfully sunsetted aging public fountains and transformed them into meaningful spaces. Studying these cases provides practical insight for Jacksonville.

Case Study 1: The Fountain of Time, Chicago, Illinois

Originally installed in 1922, the Fountain of Time was a monumental sculpture with a water feature that deteriorated due to freeze-thaw cycles and maintenance costs. In 2010, the Chicago Park District decommissioned the water system but preserved the sculpture. They replaced the basin with a reflective pool of crushed granite, installed solar lighting, and added interpretive signage about the artwork’s symbolism. The result? A quieter, more contemplative space that attracts 40% more visitors annually for educational tours.

Case Study 2: The Bicentennial Fountain, Seattle, Washington

Constructed for the 1982 World’s Fair, the fountain became a drain on city resources. In 2016, the city decommissioned the pumps and transformed the area into “The Commons,” a pedestrian plaza with native plantings, movable seating, and embedded LED lights that mimic the former water patterns at night. The project cost $2.1 million but saved $180,000 annually in maintenance. It now hosts farmers’ markets and outdoor cinema nights.

Case Study 3: The Echoes Fountain, Portland, Oregon

Portland’s Echoes Fountain, known for its interactive water jets, was retired in 2020 due to high water usage and accessibility concerns. Instead of removing it, the city preserved the structure and turned it into a “Sensory Garden.” Tactile plaques, wind chimes, and scent gardens were added. A QR code system allows visitors to hear audio recordings of children who once played in the water. The site is now one of Portland’s most visited “quiet zones.”

Case Study 4: The Water Garden, San Antonio, Texas

When San Antonio’s 1970s-era Water Garden became too expensive to maintain, the city chose to convert it into a “dry plaza” with etched granite panels showing the original water flow patterns. They embedded motion sensors that activate ambient lighting and subtle soundscapes when people walk through. The project won a 2021 Urban Land Institute Award for Excellence.

These examples prove that sunsetting doesn’t mean erasure. It means evolution. The Friendship Fountain can follow the same path: not forgotten, but reimagined.

FAQs

Is it possible to turn the Friendship Fountain back on after sunsetting?

Yes—but only if key components (pumps, pipes, electrical systems) are preserved and stored properly. However, restoring full operation would require significant investment. Sunsetting is designed as a permanent transition, not a temporary pause. The goal is to embrace a new function, not reverse course.

What happens to the water after the fountain is drained?

All water is treated and diverted to the city’s wastewater system. No water is discharged into storm drains or natural waterways. Environmental consultants monitor for chemical residues and ensure compliance with Florida DEP regulations.

Will the Friendship Fountain be completely removed?

No. The structural base, sculptures, and stonework will be preserved. Only the mechanical systems (pumps, pipes, lighting) will be removed. The goal is to retain the landmark’s visual identity while removing unsustainable functions.

How will the project be funded?

Funding will come from a combination of city capital improvement funds, state historic preservation grants, private donations from local foundations, and corporate sponsorships aligned with sustainability goals. No tax increases are planned.

What if people are upset about losing the fountain?

It’s expected. Emotional attachment to landmarks is natural. The key is to honor those feelings through documentation, storytelling, and meaningful replacement. The new space will include opportunities to remember the fountain—not erase it.

Will the new space be accessible to people with disabilities?

Yes. All new design elements will comply with ADA standards: smooth surfaces, tactile pathways, braille signage, and ample seating. The goal is to make the space more inclusive than the original fountain, which had limited accessibility.

How long will the sunsetting process take?

Approximately 17–20 weeks from decommissioning to unveiling. Community engagement and archival work will continue for 6–12 months beyond that.

Can residents contribute their own photos or stories to the archive?

Absolutely. A dedicated portal on friendshipfountainjax.org will allow anyone to upload memories, photos, and videos. All submissions will be reviewed and curated for the digital archive.

Will there be public art installed in the new space?

Yes. A public art selection committee will invite local artists to submit proposals. One permanent piece will be commissioned, and rotating exhibits will be displayed quarterly.

What if the city changes its mind later?

While possible, reversing the decision would be costly and logistically complex. The sunsetting plan is designed to be irreversible by design—ensuring that the transformation is thoughtful, not reactive. But the legacy will always remain accessible through the digital archive and preserved structure.

Conclusion

Sunset is not an end—it’s a quiet, intentional transformation. The Friendship Fountain in Jacksonville has carried the laughter of children, the quiet reflections of elders, and the joy of countless celebrations. Its waters may no longer rise, but its spirit need not fade. By sunsetting the fountain with care, we do not lose a landmark; we evolve it.

This guide has laid out a clear, ethical, and sustainable path forward: assess with precision, engage with empathy, decommission with responsibility, reimagine with creativity, and preserve with reverence. The tools are available. The examples are proven. The community is ready.

The true legacy of the Friendship Fountain does not lie in its ability to spray water into the air. It lies in its power to bring people together. That power can—and must—continue. Let the new space become a canvas for memory, a stage for storytelling, and a sanctuary for stillness. Let Jacksonville honor its past not by clinging to what no longer serves, but by creating something that will serve for generations to come.

When the last drop of water falls, let the first whisper of the wind through native grasses begin.