Include fountain in Greene Square plans

A recent Gazette article invited people to attend a presentation about the potential plans for Greene Square Park. I participated.

The presenters welcomed questions and a variety of viewpoints. Greene Square Park is a valuable piece of real estate. We have an opportunity to do something very special to transform this space between the cultural bookends of the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art and the new public library into a park distinctive from any other in the city. Most important, why not have a fountain?

This park once had a fountain and its removal in the 1920s was because of maintenance concerns. Today, other cities in Iowa have fountains that function well and are regarded as important, popular local attractions. Over time, Cedar Rapids fountains have been proposed and then quietly eliminated.

I understand local labor unions played a pivotal role in the creation of the first Greene Square fountain in appreciation for labor opportunities in the community. It appears our labor force is doing well and perhaps they would be inclined to do so again.

Tom van Deest

Cedar Rapids