Frank and Sharon Reilly, co-founders of the Friends of Lincoln Park,

You are invited to attend a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off the Lincoln Park Rehabilitation Plan on Thursday, April 13th at 4:00 pm.

There will be remarks on the history of the Park and a celebration of the partnership between the City and the Friends of Lincoln Park.  The effort will restore Portland’s oldest public park, dating  back to 1866.  It was created to be a firewall to protect the city following the notorious July 4, Great Fire of 1866.  The first Independence Day celebration following the end of the Civil War.  The Rehabilitation Plan calls for restoration of the walkways and Parisian fountain that will occur later this spring in phases.  The original cast-iron fence, still standing today will be restored, trees planted and World’s Fair benches installed according to a press release issued by Frank Reilly, co-chair of the Friends of Lincoln Park.

The Rehabilitation of Lincoln Park will last between 8 –  12 weeks and the Park will closed to the public during this time.

The 1871 fountain has been residing in Sculpture Conservator Jonathan Taggert’ studio in Georgetown since November where it has been completely restored over the winter.  At the completion of the walkways and basin restoration, which includes new plumbing, the fountain will return to its home for the past 146 years. The Friends of Lincoln Park will plan a welcome for it.

Please visit LoveLincolnPark.org for more information.