The Boca Raton has agreed to take the lead on refurbishing the century-old fountain on East Camino Real just outside the resort’s main entrance. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star
By Mary Hladky
The orphan fountain outside the entrance to The Boca Raton will be refurbished early next year.
State Rep. Peggy Gossett-Seidman, Palm Beach County Commissioner Marci Woodward, resort president and CEO Daniel Hostettler and other resort officials met on Sept. 8 to discuss making improvements.
Gossett-Seidman dubbed it the “orphan fountain” because no one seemed to know who was responsible for it. It turns out that the resort has been paying for its water and electricity usage and doing maintenance even though it isn’t on resort property.
It sits in a roundabout on East Camino Real, a county road, just outside the resort’s main entrance. Its age is uncertain, but Boca Raton Historical Society records show it was in place in 1930, and possibly was built by the resort’s second owner, Clarence Geist.
Gossett-Seidman, whose district includes Boca Raton, heard from nearby residents that the fountain needed some tender loving care and made it her mission to get that done.
While specifics including funding are still being worked out, “everyone (at the meeting) agreed on a path forward,” she said. “It is just a great outcome.”
The resort, which will celebrate its centennial next year, is taking the lead on the project, she said.
Hostettler did not provide details, but said in a statement that “we are working with the county and the state on enhancements to the fountain as part of celebrating three important milestones — our 100th anniversary, the city’s centennial and the nation’s 250th.”
“This beautiful landmark has been part of Boca’s 100-year history, and I was excited to learn more about the enhancements coming soon!” Woodward told constituents in a Sept. 17 newsletter and posted on social media. Through her staff, she said she had no further comment.
According to Gossett-Seidman, the fountain won’t be changed significantly, but will be enhanced.
Upgrades will be made to the electrical system and plumbing so that water will shoot higher into the air. Lighting will be installed and colors can be changed to recognize events such as the Fourth of July. Landscaping will be significantly improved.
“It is a win-win-win, really,” she said. “It benefits every-body.”
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