Improvements at Freedom Fountain

Submitted

Visitors have no doubt noticed the most recent improvements made at the Freedom Fountain in Veterans Community Park. The walkway leading to the fountain is now accented on either side by rows of variegated arboricola, an easily maintained, tropical evergreen shrub with bright yellow and green leaves.

The drought-resistant plants, 90 in all, were installed recently by Affordable Landscaping, of Marco Island, which donated its labor for the $2,000 project, which includes the installation of 12 sprinklers, which will use reclaimed water to irrigate the plants.

Funding for the work was provided by the Veterans Memorial Fundraising Committee, which has raised about $650,000 in donations over the last seven years to create the park’s Veterans Memorial, with its flag plaza, landscaping and of course, its crown jewel, the Freedom Fountain.

Enhancements

are also on tap for the fountain, where a wind detector will be installed this month. Once installed, the detector will turn down the water flow when the wind exceeds 12 mph, to eliminate water being sprayed beyond the fountain. The wind detector will be installed by Crystal Waterscapes, of Naples, which installed the fountain.

In other news, the Veterans Memorial Fundraising Committee recently received a donation of $1,200 from IBERIABANK’s Marco Island branch. The money was generated by one of the bank’s shred parties, held in November.

“To all those that attended and worked so hard, your efforts were greatly appreciated,” said Lee Rubenstein, chairman of the Fundraising Committee.

Lastly, only 12 lines remain on the Freedom Fountain for inscription. Forms to purchase inscription lines can be found at the memorial’s entry.