An old friend – looking better than ever – has returned to Scidmore Park.
Thanks to “a lot of labor intensive revamping” by K & D Body Shop over the winter months, the lion drinking fountain is back in place, adjacent to the playground, and looking sharp.
(Click on photo to enlarge)
During an interview with the River Country Journal, Amy Roth, director of the Three Rivers Department of Public Services, explained that – after the successful “remake” of the large statue of Santa Claus, another familiar figure on the local scene, Brian Kaiser of K & D offered to also donate the company’s services to redo the lion. Following completion of the facelift, the lion drinking fountain was re-installed Wednesday (June 13) – just in time for the 56th annual Three Rivers Water Festival.
Roth said it’s been difficult to determine just when the lion drinking fountain – donated by the Three Rivers Lions Club – was placed in the park. Comments from various people indicate a range of about ten years – from the mid 70’s to the mid 80’s. Regardless, Roth is pleased to have the lion back to be enjoyed by another generation. (Amy Roth audio clip – :09)
Scidmore Park – located at West Michigan Avenue and Spring Street in Three Rivers – is a major focal point for many of the activities associated with the Water Festival which began Thursday and will continue through Saturday.
This Lion drinking fountain, long a part of Scidmore Park, has been returned to the park after being refurbished by K & D Body Shop.
For additional insights on this topic, click on the following link to hear the full interview with Amy Roth, conducted by Bruce Snook of the River Country Journal: Amy Roth interview (3:15 – 2.98 MB).
WOW! The lion looks better than new. Thank you K & D.
I agree with Tom….I remember that lion when I was a kid several decades ago visting this park often, and concur that it looks better than new….what a great contribution restore a long standing attraction to an already wonderful area park.
Thank u K & D body shop you guys did another great job!!! I to member this lion when I was a kid and am glad its still around to now take my toddler to see when we go to the park!! Can’t do that with too many things now days. Thanks again!!
Thanks for the compliments!!! The lion has always been special to my self as well, can remember spending a lot of time in the park as a kid in early to mid 70s. We figured we had aprox 150 man hrs into the restoration, with the help of a local artist. It means a lot to be able to have it around for generations to come. Thanks again, it was a labor of love and thanks to my entire crew.
As a Three Rivers Lion and as a citizen of this community, I applaud you, Brian, for your devotion to this project. Can you reveal the identity of the local artist?
Thanks Barb, it was a lot of work, and again would like to thank my entire crew at K&D for their hard work. Sorry Barb, I did some of the airbrush work after the artist arm was getting tired, but they do wish to stay anonymous. But is the artist that helped with Santa also. You can call me for a better explanation if you would like to. Thanks to all citizens of TR for the comments, and to Amy Roth for the opportunity to help out the city and the park.