After a decade-long campaign of community advocacy that has secured
$1.3 million to date, Friends of Loring Park, Citizens for a Loring Park Community (CLPC), Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board and the Berger Fountain Task Force announce the official start towards a new plaza in Loring Park and a fully restored Berger Fountain, once again bringing “Joy” to Minneapolis. This transformative project is centered on a fully restored, iconic Berger Fountain in Loring Park, with Phase One set to kick-off with a celebration at the Fountain Area, Loring Park, on May 21, 2026 at 3 p.m.
This project is more than a restoration; it is a fundamental act of community-building, acccording to community advocates.
While the beloved Berger "Dandelion" fountain remains the centerpiece, where people are all welcomed, the project’s intent is to create a fully accessible community gathering spot. "We aren't just fixing a fountain; we are reclaiming the front porch of Loring Park," says Lee Frelich, President of CLPC. “The new plaza will become that. A safe, well-lit and beautiful space where the community can gather, reflect and heal.”
Project highlights:
● Accessibility First: Visitors with mobility challenges will be able to safely enjoy the fountain, removing barriers that have stood for decades.
● Safety & Light: One new feature is LED lighting (inactive since 2018), which serves as abright beacon for the neighborhood and increases the sense of safety and welcome.
● Inclusivity: The Loring Park space reflects rich and diverse cultures of Minneapolis and Minnesota.
● Sustainable Design: The plan features sustainable plantings and a high-tech underground reservoir system to ensure the landmark is resilient and sustainable for the next 50 years.
"Please join us to witness this historic moment as construction begins this spring," encourages Loring Park Neighborhood Association Executive Director Jana Metge.
Text Berger to 53-555 for donations.
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