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The real Mable Ringling Memorial Fountain, shown restored: the brick basin, three-figure sculpture, water, and the lions returned.

Luke Wood Park · Sarasota

Restore the Mable Ringling Memorial Fountain

A public invitation to bring this park, and the fountain at its center, back for everyone who passes along Mound Street.

DonateRead the story
Place
Luke Wood Park, along Mound Street
Host
Miracle on Mound
Gifts
Received by the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation

The story

A fountain built in her memory, then lost twice

In 1931 Luke Wood gave this land for a public park. The Founder’s Circle built a fountain here in memory of Mable Ringling, its first president and a founder of the Sarasota Garden Club. John Ringling placed two marble lions beside the basin.

The park fell quiet after the war, and the fountain was filled in. Neighbors and the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation brought it back in 2011. In 2022 the water and power were shut off. The basin is still.

Miracle on Mound is the work of restoring Luke Wood Park — the fountain at its center, and the green around it — so the city has this retreat again.

Closer view of the same restored fountain: the real sculpture, brick steps, and water in the basin.
The real fountain, shown restored, with the park planted again and the buildings left out of the view. The basin is not running today.

What the work is for

  • Water in the basin

    Bring the memorial fountain back into service at the center of the park.

  • The park around it

    Tend the oaks, paths, and plantings that make Luke Wood Park a retreat.

  • A civic gateway

    Keep this southern entrance to downtown Sarasota worthy of the city.

Sponsors

Those who have already stood with this fountain

Named for the 2011 restoration. This chapter is open — a confirmed gift can be listed here beside them.

  • William G. and Marie Selby FoundationStood with the 2011 restoration
  • The John and Mable Ringling Museum of ArtStood with the 2011 restoration
  • John Ringling Towers FundArts and Cultural Alliance · 2011 restoration

Give

Join the restoration

Gifts are received by the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation for Miracle on Mound. The button opens their giving page.

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