Repairs start on Jellicoe Park fountain1 min read

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Repair work has begun on the Jellicoe Park fountain which was vandalised earlier this year, and protective measures are being put in place to prevent future incidents.

The historic fountain was targeted by vandals who damaged both the interior and exterior of the fountain, and ripped out copper pipework and valves from the bowl. This damaged the pipework leading into the plant room, and caused leaks that damaged electrical gear inside, including the lighting controls.

“Work on the pipework inside the fountain bowl and removal of the old electrical system has been completed. Work on the plant room pipework in underway,” says Manager Area Operations Howick and Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Boards, Marcel Morgan.

“The scope of the work now includes additional protection over the rings which control the water inside the top bowl, through this, we’re hoping to prevent any future vandalism. We are aiming to have the work completed by the end of September.”

Some of the fountain’s copper petals were vandalised and are currently in storage with the contractors for future restoration.

The fountain was built in 1953 to honour the contribution of former mayor of Onehunga and local architect, John Park, to local government, and installed at Jellicoe Park in 1955.