The OCCA is pleased to announce that the Girard Fountain and Park at 4th & Arch Streets near the Fire House is now operational and the Park & Fountain Area is open to the public during daylight hours. Since the October 2007 installation of the beautiful new Ben Franklin bust sculpted by Philadelphian, James Peniston, the Fire Department agreed to open the Park to the public once again.

Adjacent to the 4th & Arch Fire House, the park was built in 1976 but since fell into disrepair and the gates have been locked for about twelve years. With quiet support of the Fire Department, Janet Kalter and Joe Schiavo of Old City initiated the restoration project three years ago.

The project began with a focus on the entire sidewalk surrounding the fire house and the garden area on the west side along 4th Street.  The second year, the focus shifted to the park. Once the Fire Department was satisfied with the work done on the park, they (unofficially) accepted the proposal to restore the fountain. Fountain restoration began in late June and it was finally made operational on Saturday, August 23rd. While there is still a list of improvements yet to be executed over the next 12 months, we are thrilled that this community asset is once again operational.

View before-and-after pictures of the Park & Fountain area.

The Park & Fountain will be open until midnight on the next First Friday, September 5th, to celebrate the restoration.