The historic Laura’s Fountain at Applegate Park was discussed on the Merced City Council agenda on Monday.
Ken Elwin, the publics work director, discussed updates on the repairs and costs of restoring Laura’s fountain to the Merced City Council.
According to Ken Elwin, Technicon Engineering Services Inc. donated their service to do a geotechnical analysis on the foundation of Laura’s Fountain.
Findings Included:
- Concrete slab around fountain – no reinforcing steel found
- Subsurface soil – Moderatley expansive clay soil and saturated
- Shrinks and swell cycles of clay soil – Causing movement, settlement, and unevenness
- Shrink and swell cycles beneath fountain will continue in the future if not repaired
After the analysis was concluded, the estimated cost for the repairs of Laura’s Fountain is estimated to cost $190,000.
Merced City Council member Anthony Martinez said, “If were going to spend six figures why not rebuild a new fountain in its place. “Maybe this is the time to rebuild something better for the future or figure out something new.”
City Council Member Josh Pedrozo respectfully disagreed, saying ” It’s such a historic part of the of Merced; it’s been apart of Merced for so long we owe it to the people, the park, the city – I took wedding pictures there so have others, it means a lot to people.”
The council will wait to seek possible funding from grants, business donations, and general funds.
