The Parks and Recreation department received the grant to take on the project, and in a 2001 budget document, listed the fountain installation as one of the accomplishments of the department’s 1999 to 2000 fiscal year.
Though only 18 years old, the water fountains have an old-timey appearance. The bodies of the dual-level fountains are cast iron, while the bowls are polished silicon bronze.
“Columbia Cascade designed the fountains to complement the benches and planters, which they designed for Esther Short Park,” said Anne Digenis, senior philanthropic adviser for the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington, the nonprofit that helped facilitate the Firstenburgs’ donation.
Columbia Cascade, a designer of outdoor play equipment and furnishings, did the design work. A Washington-based company cast the metal, then Columbia Cascade did the hand-finishing — a powder-coat, baked-on finish, Digenis said. The logos were hand-painted by Columbia Cascade employees.
Though most are in downtown Vancouver, there’s a few fountains scattered across Clark County in public parks.
If you, like Ed, are feeling thirsty, you can snag a refreshing sip from one of the Firstenburg Fountains located at:
• Captain Vancouver Monument Plaza
• Columbia Springs Environmental Education Center
• Evergreen Arboretum
• Evergreen Neighborhood Park
• Fircrest Park
• Former First Independent Bank building (12th & Main streets)
• Hearthwood Park
• Marine Park
• Marrion Elementary School Park
• Marshall Community Park
• Old Apple Tree Park
• Orchards West Park
• Public Administration Building Plaza
• Sculpture Garden on Broadway
• Waterfront Park.
