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A rendering shows proposed changes to the fountain at the Park of Roses, including an 88-jet "crown" of water. Officials are seeking donations to fund the $94,000 cost of the upgrades.

Columbus Park of Roses Foundation officials have launched a fundraising campaign to update and improve the existing water feature in the rose garden at Whetstone Park.

The fountain, installed in 1957, is showing its age and has mechanical problems, said Nancy Walsh, the nonprofit foundation's development officer.

The organization provides financial support to the park, using funds generated by donations and memorial gifts to purchase new and replacement plant material. Members also raise money for special improvement projects and support a volunteer program.

Personnel in the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department's planning and design section are working in an advisory capacity with the foundation on this renovation project, Walsh said. New features such as an 88-jet water spray "crown" around the perimeter and a larger center spray will be added.

A gift of $25,000 has been designated for the fountain by a family that chose to remain anonymous.

"This gift kicks off our campaign to raise the funds we need to create a sparkling crown of water, which will be visible from most of the rose garden," Walsh said in a prepared statement.

The estimate for the entire project is $94,000. The remaining amount needed is $69,000.

"We decided to start the campaign now because mid-September is the second peak bloom season in the garden, and we want people to enjoy the roses and see how the new fountain design will become a jewel in the center of the park," Walsh said in the statement.

Foundation members hope to raise the money in time to complete the project by December.

George Meiling, foundation treasurer and member of national and international rose organizations, said in the statement that he believes the new design of the fountain will add "tremendous beauty and value to this world-class rose garden."

Donors will be acknowledged with a certificate in their own name honoring their contribution, or they may choose to dedicate their gift to someone else.

Information about the fountain will be posted in kiosks within the park, according to Park of Roses volunteer coordinator Tina Bozzuto.

"Please feel free to talk to any of the volunteer groups working in the gardens for more details on how to give," she said in the statement.

The donor form can be downloaded at parkofroses.org.

For more information, call Walsh at 614-645-3391 or email rosefoundation@ parkofroses.org.