Cascade Fountain + Eleanor Creative

Eleanor Creative was selected by Lincoln Parks Foundation to create a brand and campaign to restore the iconic Cascade Fountain back to its original glory. As you might expect, we were thrilled at the opportunity to work with Lincoln Parks Foundation and Lincoln Parks & Recreation Department, and to develop the capital campaign materials and communications for one of Lincoln’s great treasures.

What is Cascade Fountain?

Cascade Fountain has stood as a symbol of beauty and achievement in Lincoln, Nebraska for over 40 years and reflects what happens when a community comes together for the greater good. The 40-foot square concrete fountain features multiple towers and steps that are surrounded by a reflecting pool basin, with water cascading down over the walls.

Cascade Fountain is located in the Antelope Park Triangle, surrounded by several other Lincoln attractions. It’s where visitors can delight in the spectacular water feature of Cascade Fountain, enjoy a picnic on the landscaped grounds, take in the breathtaking beauty of the nationally-acclaimed Sunken Gardens, Hamann Rose Garden, and Rotary Strolling Garden, and engage with the unique animals and habitats at Lincoln Children’s Zoo. Additionally, it is at a cross-section of walking and bicycling trails.

A Rich History of Community Support

Cascade Fountain was built as a tribute to Lincoln Area Retired Teachers Association in 1978. Over the years the fountain has become a Lincoln icon but it is in need of significant repairs.

In 2018, fountain design experts Schemmer and Waterline Studios performed an engineering analysis on the fountain.

Some of the critical issues identified by the analysis included:

• Significant corrosion in piping and electrical unit
• Cracking of surrounding concrete sidewalks due to overspray
• Mechanical equipment (mostly original) not efficient or cost effective
• Lighting inoperable
• Poor water circulation in basin
• Equipment pit access did not meet safety codes
• Drains around fountain frequently clogged
• No filtration or sanitation system; water treatment was manually performed

Lincoln Parks Foundation, in partnership with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Public Policy Center, conducted a survey in July 2019 to gather public input on options to repair Cascade Fountain. Results from 7,500 surveys concluded that participants strongly favored repairing the fountain and improving the area around it.

Project components for Cascade Fountain project include:

• Update and Repair Fountain
• Seating Areas
• Enhanced Landscaping
• Respite Area for Quiet Reflection
• Shaded Picnic Areas
• Bike Racks
• New Lighting
• Greater Access to Trails, Sunken Gardens, Lincoln Children’s Zoo, Hamann Rose Garden, and Rotary Strolling Garden
• Space for Events, Parties, and Outdoor Weddings
• Permanent Donor Recognition from Original Campaign and Current Campaign

Restoring Cascade Fountain and enhancing the surrounding area is a project that everyone can get involved in and feel a sense of ownership. The campaign goal is $1.6 million, which includes an endowment fund for future repair and replacement costs. The capital campaign will run January through June, 2020. Construction is slated to begin later this year, with dedication anticipated in late Fall 2021.

Why Eleanor Creative?

Executive Director Maggie Stuckey of Lincoln Parks Foundation and Susan Larson Rodenburg, Campaign Organizer, had seen first-hand the work of our team with Hub & Soul – a summer concert series that was named, branded and organized by our team. They wanted to work with a company that demonstrated experience in brand development, fundraising campaigns and had a strong commitment to Lincoln Parks. Our all or nothing + positive mindset, sure didn’t hurt either.

Getting to work on a project like is the perfect fit for Eleanor Creative. We are all dedicated to ensuring that Lincoln, Nebraska continues to be one of the best places to live and work.

The capital campaign materials that we designed and developed included:

• Lead Donor Combination Pocket Folder and Booklet
• Donor Booklet
• Social Media Campaign
• Brand Video
• Logo Design
• Web Page Design
• E-Newsletter

A big Thank You to Maggie Stuckey, Susan Larson Rodenburg, and Lynn Johnson, Lincoln Parks & Recreation Department, for allowing us the privilege to create this beautiful work to help restore the iconic Cascade Fountain.