The fountain on Belle Isle will be closed until 2027 for repairs.

The historic Scott Memorial Fountain will undergo $6 million in renovations starting this summer, paid for by federal relief money.

The 18-month project will close the fountain until May 2027, but promises to preserve this 100-year-old treasure for future generations.

A DNR park ranger runs through a series of complex steps to turn on the multitiered fountain.

"Two years ago, results of the concrete core samples taken from the lower bowl showed the basin structure needed to be addressed," said Thomas Bissett, urban district supervisor for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. "Although the project will have an impact on visitors, we're grateful that ARPA dollars were available for this project to strengthen and protect fountain structure and operation for future generations."

Aerial view of the James Scott Memorial Fountain and lagoon with the Detroit River and skyline in the distance. 

Per press materials:

To ensure the basin's structural integrity and protect the underlying mechanical room, the renovation project will involve installing new concrete beams and replacing the underlying fountain plumbing. Additionally, a watertight seal and marble elements around the lower bowl will help prevent water infiltration to subgrade operational space.

A bummer for this and next summer, but the work is way overdue and there just hasn’t been the money to do more than spot repairs for decades.