Friends of Crescent Lake Park Announce Re-dedication of Water Tower

From Friends of Crescent Lake Park:

After almost a quarter century above ground, large, brightly colored fish swimming on St. Petersburg's
historic Crescent Lake Water Tower have a new lease on life. This summer, the 500,000-gallon water tower, located at 1320 Fifth St. N., underwent refurbishments, which included restoration of the mural first created in 1994 by artist Tom Stovall. A re-dedication of the Water Tower and recognition of Stovall's work will be part of the first, annual Friends of Crescent Lake Festival on Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stovall will join Mayor Rick Kriseman and festival co-host and City Council Vice Chair Darden Rice for the 10 a.m. re-dedication ceremony.

Artist Tom Stovall first painted vibrant images of marine life inhabiting Florida's underwater coral reefs on the water tower 23 years ago after raising money to pay for the project. This time, Water Resources funded the three month mural restoration at a cost of $36,500.

Built in 1923, the 175-foot tower represented significant advances in local community planning and engineering as a clean, reliable and inexpensive source of water and fire protection. Designated a local historic landmark in 2008 and still operational today, the tower serves the city by stabilizing water
pressure and providing a supplemental water supply for area fire hydrants.

The Friends of Crescent Lake Festival celebrates the surrounding Crescent Lake neighborhood and is home to the 52.5-acre Crescent Lake Park, one of the city's most versatile and popular city parks. Festival goers may participate in yoga, take an early morning bird walk, browse environmental exhibits and demonstrations and see live animal displays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The festival is co-hosted by Council Vice Chair Rice, the Friends of Crescent Lake, the Crescent Lake Neighborhood Association and Chart 411.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay