Longwood Gardens undertakes 2-year effort to restore its main fountain garden
By Rick Marts, Correspondent, The Times
Longwood Gardens Executive Direct Paul Redman details the fountain renovation project planned for the facility during Wednesday night’s Kennett Board of Supervisors meeting.
KENNETT — At Wednesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, Township Manager Lisa Moore announced that the supervisors will decide the fate of the Chandler Mill Bridge at the Board’s next meeting on November 5, at 7 pm.
This news came after two contrasting statements were made by the township’s Sidewalk and Trails Committee and the Safety Committee, respectfully.
First, Mike Bontrager, chairman of the Sidewalk and Trails Committee provided this summary of his committee’s position: “The Committee overwhelmingly supports and recommends the ‘pedestrian-only’ option for the Chandler Mill Bridge.” He said, “This will provide a contiguous trail through the Western Corridor of the Red Clay Greenway that stretches from the west end of Kennett Square Borough to a park and nature preserve at the Chandler Mill Bridge.
In addition, Bontrager referred to an easement for the trail that will be granted by a property owner near the bridge. He said, however, that this easement through a critical portion of private land is contingent on the township adopting the pedestrian-only option. Bontrager concluded by saying, “We respectfully urge the supervisors to choose the pedestrian-only option for the Chandler Mill Bridge.”
Second, and in contrast to Bontrager’s recommendation, Moore read a statement by the township’s Safety Committee about the use of the Chandler Mill Bridge. The Safety Committee recommended opening the bridge to vehicle traffic as soon as possible to maximize community safety by permitting emergency vehicle passage over the bridge.
Shifting to the other side of the township, BOS Chairman Scudder Stevens reported that “the Board has given a letter to Paul Redman, Longwood Gardens executive director, recognizing his receipt of the 2014 Wyck-Strickland Award.” The Wyck Association confers this annual award for “contributions to the cultural life of Philadelphia through work that balances progress and modernity with a sensitive understanding of the past.”
Redman was present at the meeting to receive the Board’s letter. He also gave a short presentation on the $90 million restoration of Longwood’s main fountain garden. He said, “The fountain garden covers about 6 acres, but most of the fountain’s infrastructure is underground, only about 15 percent can be seen above ground. The restoration will involve disassembling the fountain garden stone-by-stone, but about 95 percent of the stones will be replaced.”
Redman gave a few other details. “The fountain will also be modernized with new features and ‘a little more wow factor.’ Our operating season will be lengthened because the water will not be stored above ground, but in underground tanks instead, where it will likely not freeze. Construction will begin soon and we are mobilizing for it in the coming weeks by staging equipment and materials in the lower parking lot. We have sent letters to 400 households to prepare them for the activity.”
Redman described new benches and walkways throughout the fountains to encourage visitors to explore and view the fountains. During the 2 years of construction, Redmon said visitors will be allowed to view the construction as it is underway. Sadly, however, and to the great disappointment of Longwood visitors and the surrounding community, Redmon said, “The fireworks display will be discontinued for the 2 years of fountain garden rehabilitation.”
In her Manager’s Report, Moore noted that
• PennDOT is beginning preliminary work on the Burnt Mill Bridge, but we still do not know what is going to be done. PennDot is still completing the engineering plans.
• Work on the Marshall Bridge Road stabilization project due to stream bank erosion will not begin until next year and is expected to continue for about 3 months.
• The township’s Planning Commission will meet on October 28 at the Township Building to discuss future land use.
• Our Sidewalk project on West Cypress Street is still in planning but should get underway soon.
• Two vacancies exist on the library Board, and two residents are very interested and filling these vacancies should be considered at our next meeting.
