ORANGE COUNTY, Fla.,None — Everyone could own a piece of downtown Orlando's iconic Lake Eola fountain. Officials said the city of Orlando is using pieces left over from the $1.6 million renovation to sell as memorabilia.
Before the renovations started, there were big Plexiglas panels within the fountain. Officials said those are gone, and right now, they are being molded into something the city said people would want to display in their house.
Lake Eola's fountain has special meaning to Orlando resident Nathan Bassett and his family.
"I feel incredibly lucky to be one of the few that have walked out there," said Bassett.
Their grandfather was the engineer who helped design the fountain before it was installed in 1912. Officials said a new, more modern version will debut in 2011. The city said it is spending $1.6 million for a new exterior frame, new lighting, pumps and spray jets.
"It's nice to see the legacy of my grandfather carried on and being taken to the next level," said Seth Borenstein, an Orlando resident.
As of Tuesday, the city is in the process of designing memorabilia made out of the old fountain's Plexiglas.
"I think that's a great idea," said an Orlando resident.
After the process of making the memorabilia is done, officials said the items will go up for sale.
"My house has enough clutter with the kid's stuff. I don't need it," said Jackie Esposito an Orlando resident.
The city would not comment on what the memorabilia will look like, but for now officials said to use your imagination.
"Hang it on your wall. I don't know. Or use it as yard art! Maybe make your own fountain out of it," said Susie Landis, an Orlando resident.
Officials said that money generated from the sale would go right back to the park to pay for more improvements.
"Anything to infuse money in the park area and make sure this project is completed. I think it's well thought out. I would buy it! Absolutely," said Stan Long, an Orlando resident.
The city said it is still in the works so it's not saying how much the items will cost or when they'll be available. Officials said the new fountain will be unveiled on July 4.
WFTV
