Update on Berger Fountain Rebuild Project in Loring Park

Illustration shows the proposed final design for reconstructing Berger Fountain and the surrounding plaza in Loring Park

Concept design approved by Park Commissioners, now detailed design and engineering begins

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), in partnership with the Berger Fountain Task Force, is working to rebuild Berger Fountain (Dandelion Fountain) in Loring Park. The Berger Task Force (Task Force) consists of representatives from Citizens for a Loring Park Community, Friends of Loring Park and Loring Greenway Association.

Design Approved

At the MPRB meeting on September 18, Park Commissioners approved the concept design of Berger Fountain. Concept Design Overhead View - Design Illustrations

State Grant Moves Project Forward

The Berger Fountain project received a $200,000 grant from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Legacy Fund during the 2024 legislative session. The grant was secured thanks to work from state Rep. Hornstein and state Sen. Dibble, with support from members of the Task Force and MPRB Commissioner Shaffer. This funding allows the MPRB to move the project forward by paying for the next phase of detailed design and engineering.

Next Phase

The plan approved by MPRB Commissioners last night is a general concept design that outlines how the rebuilt plaza area could look. This next design phase, called Design Development, will complete 60% design drawings and analyze engineering details, like the size of the underground mechanical elements, placement of the plaza, and more defined cost estimates. 

Damon Farber Landscape Architects is leading a team of landscape architects, fountain designers, and engineers to do this work, which is scheduled to be complete in spring 2025.

Then a third design phase will delve into more refined details, like specific materials, fountain spoke design, and plant species for the garden. These will be part of 90-100% design drawings later in 2025.

The design team will be presenting to Task Force members and posting public updates at appropriate milestones to ensure the community is informed during the process.

Visit Project Page

Fundraising

The MPRB has an agreement in place with Berger Fountain Task Force to raise funds for the Berger Fountain reconstruction project. The Task Force is comprised of representatives from Citizens for a Loring Park Community, Friends of Loring Park, Loring Greenway Association and at-large representatives.

Visit the Berger Fountain Task Force website to get involved. People can contribute to the project at the Berger Fountain Donation Page, or by texting "BERGER" to 53-555. The Task Force recently hired a fundraiser to help fundraise $1.5 million to help close the remaining budget gap.