To accommodate the addition of the high-tech fountain equipment, and control the various lighting and jet effects, a mechanical room had to be built under the artificial lake. Besides the pumps and purification systems for the fountain above, a sizeable surge tank was constructed that is fed by a large, esthetically pleasing circular overflow on the fountain’s surface. The alcove above the maintenance room is completely accessible to visitors by way of a wooden bridge. Visitors are invited to overlook the Singing Fountain from the shelter of a wood and metal pavilion that co-ordinates well with the other surrounding park structures.
Additional recreational opportunities
Situated adjacent to the Singing Fountain, an interactive dry-deck water feature was constructed to provide further recreational opportunities for park visitors. Consisting of slab-hung column jets, this feature is an exquisite attraction for all visitors and is a natural continuation of the surrounding pedestrian access to the larger fountain. Surrounding the dry deck is a small set of wooden amphitheater-style benches to provide an area for rest, relaxation, and supervision of children. Much like its famous singing companion, LED lights illuminate the dry-deck fountain at night to encourage further evening activity.
Classified as an architectural-construction monument of culture by the Plovdiv municipality, the historical Demeter Fountain, by Italian sculptor Arnoldo Zocchi, was also completely refurbished. A pump and filter system was installed for water purification and an LED light was integrated to provide artistic illumination. The degraded concrete basin was replaced with a new one of the same size comprising a reinforced bottom and waterproofing. The actual Demeter sculpture, made of cast iron, was artfully conserved and restored, with the process being overseen by an expert council at the Ministry of Culture.
A historic urban centre is revived
To complement the reinvigorated fountains, the surrounding amenities within Tsar Simeon Garden were renovated as well. In addition to the installation of new benches, waste bins, and efficient lighting, all of the park’s trees and gardens were evaluated, cleaned up, and replaced with new plantings if decay necessitated their removal. Two children’s playgrounds within the gardens were also completely updated with new equipment, making the amenity safer and more accessible.
Sometimes referred to by Plovdiv citizens as the ‘Lungs of the City,’ Tsar Simeon Garden is now once again considered a vibrant component of the city. The renovations to the Singing Fountain and the surrounding greenspace have breathed new life into the surrounding area and helped revive the geographically and culturally significant landmark while adding a new layer of functionality and social activity to the urban park.
Once declared a monument of park art, Tsar Simeon Garden is now well-armed to recapture its position as Plovdiv’s rightful centrepiece, while preserving the history contained within it for generations to come.
Fittingly, Plovdiv has since been named one of Europe’s Capitals of Culture for 2019. A designation that acts as a catalyst for economic growth and raises the city’s profile on an international stage, while highlighting the common history and values between European nations.
The rejuvenation of Tsar Simeon Garden will continue to encourage Plovdiv’s dedication to culture and community as a shared beacon of pride and entertainment for its citizens.
| Tsar Simeon Garden Revitalization Project |
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| Team members involved on this project included: • Petco Prokopiev, architect • ORAK Studio EOOD, landscape contractor • Nikolay Klenski, mechanical engineer • Aquapools Ltd., Marian Nikolov, fountain contractor • Systemy Automatyki Budynkow, audio system and fountain programming • Dorota Nowicka, fountain choreography • Crystal Fountains, water feature product manufacturer |
Joanna Lewandowska is the manager of eastern central Europe operations for Crystal Fountains. She has been involved in a number of the company’s wide-array of high-profile projects in Poland and eastern Europe and has contributed to a variety of industry publications. Lewandowska’s expertise is derived from more than 15 years in the water feature industry. She can be reached via e-mail at jlewandowska@crystalfountains.com.
