A fountain in a park in Stonehouse has been restored to its former glory.
South Lanarkshire Council was asked by Friends of Stonehouse Park to look at refurbishing the fountain in Alexander Hamilton Memorial Park which was erected in 1925 as a memorial to the park benefactor’s mother.
Walls were rebuilt using a local Lanarkshire brick from the Raeburn Brick factory in Blantyre, the railings were replaced to replicate the railings at the bandstand and the surface was renewed with a resin bound gravel.
The stonework was cleaned and the missing granite cap replaced.
The existing plaques were cleaned and a new plaque installed to mark the refurbishment and centenary. The work was completed by contractor JSK Construction.
Councillor Robert Brown, Chair of the Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, said: “The fountain is a hugely important feature in the park for local people, and it is great to see it being restored to its former glory.
“Using old photographs and similar features to the refurbished bandstand, materials and colours were chosen that would enhance and rejuvenate the fountain.
“And the landscaping is being replaced by the council’s Ground Services team.
“South Lanarkshire has a number of significant heritage structures in its area and Stonehouse is in fact one of a number which have undergone or will shortly be undergoing renovation.”
John Young from Friends of Stonehouse Park said: “We are delighted to see the completion of the newly restored fountain.
“In conjunction with the refurbished bandstand, great strides have been taken by group in partnership with the council and funders to improve the visual appearance of the park.
“We hope projects such as this will instil a greater sense of pride in our community, appreciation of our heritage and encourage community participation in our efforts to enhance facilities and events in the park. We look forward to new initiatives that will see Stonehouse as a destination for visitors and residents to enjoy.”
A celebration of the park’s centenary, and a rededication of the fountain, will take place this Sunday (17 August) from 1.30pm.
