The end is in sight for Loring Park dandelion fountain's drought

State lawmakers approved $1.8 million for Berger Fountain repairs, and Park Board crews have begun demolition at the dry Loring Park landmark.

Crews have started jackhammering out the failed mechanical vault beneath Loring Park's Berger Fountain — the dandelion-shaped landmark that has stood dry since 2018 — in the first phase of a long-sought restoration (https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-loring-park-berger-fountain/601853157).

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board shut off the water in 2018 because of years of wear and deteriorating infrastructure (https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-loring-park-berger-fountain/601853157).

Park board commissioner Benjamin Berger installed the fountain, known to most as the dandelion fountain, in 1975 after seeing a similar structure in Australia (https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-loring-park-berger-fountain/601853157).

The board is leading the project with the Berger Fountain Task Force, made up of representatives from Citizens for a Loring Park Community, Friends of Loring Park and Loring Greenway (https://www.minneapolisparks.org/park-care-improvements/park-projects/current_projects/berger-fountain/).

The first phase, planned for winter and spring 2026, will disconnect, demolish and remove the old equipment from the mechanical vault below the fountain (https://www.minneapolisparks.org/park-care-improvements/park-projects/current_projects/berger-fountain/).