In 2007 the Coliseum Square Association restored and return to operation the Coliseum Square fountain, and now the organization is beginning a fundraising push to do the same for another fountain in the neighborhood, among other projects.
The group was one of four chosen in February as a 2016 Freeman Challenge winner by The Greater New Orleans Foundation; if the organization can raise $50,000 by December, the foundation will provide $25,000 in matching funds.
The association plans to use the funds to restore parks and fountains in the neighborhood, specifically Lafon Fountain in Coliseum Square Park. For the past 20 years, the fountain has "sat abandoned to graffiti and overgrowth." The fountain was named after Barthelemy Lafon, who planned the Lower Garden District.
As part of the fundraising effort, the association hosts a supper club on June 9 at Felicity Church.
• Coliseum Square Association to make fundraising push for Lower Garden District parks [Uptown Messenger]