ALERT: Public Health Advisory
The Centennial Fountain will be turned off due to the MA Dept. of Public Health’s (DPH) recent cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) advisory that was posted in the Charles River downstream of Massachusetts Ave. To decrease the spread of algae, the fountain will be shut off until public health officials tell us the area is clear of bacteria
DPH is recommending a public health advisory and will monitor conditions throughout the cyanobacteria bloom.
For more information, please visit the MA DPH’s algae bloom webpage (mass.gov/lists/algae-information), and you can learn more about Charles River water quality alerts from our friends at the Charles River Watershed Association’s flagging program page (crwa.org/flagging-program).
Map of cyanobacteria algae bloom impacting the Charles River Lower Basin downstream of the Massachusetts Avenue Bridge.
2026 Reinstallation!
On Tuesday, April 14th, the Centennial Fountain was reinstalled at the Dartmouth Lagoon for the 2026 season!
Keep an eye out for special lighting that will mark holidays and events!
Centennial Fountain Celebration
Thank you to everyone who joined us on April 15, 2025 for this amazing celebration of the first full season of the Centennial Fountain in the park!
About Centennial Fountain
The Metropolitan District Commission was originally established as the “Metropolitan Park Commission” on June 3, 1893 by Charles Eliot, soon after his mentor Frederick Law Olmsted opened the oldest section of the Esplanade known as “Charlesbank.” The Commission is heralded as the nation’s first regional park system.
First installed in 1993 to commemorate this history, the original Dartmouth Street fountain’s three spouts and lights had been a vibrant landmark on the Esplanade, both day and night, from spring through autumn, for a full generation. Over time, maintenance issues led to smaller replacements, and ultimately mechanics failed, and the last fountain was removed in 2015. Thanks to great collaboration with DCR’s ecology, electrical and operations crews, the next fountain will revive the site with an improved park experience.
Located in the lagoons near the Dartmouth Footbridge
2024 Restoration Project
We’re delighted to share that the 2024 installation of the Centennial Fountain was a success. Our dedicated contractor team, including Water & Wetland and DEC Corps, along with invaluable support from DCR, ensured a seamless and beautiful installation.
The fountain will grace Dartmouth Lagoon until early December, when it’ll be stored offsite for the winter. We’re committed to preserving its beauty and longevity for generations to come. Look forward to its return in Spring 2025!
For more details and updates, continue visiting this page or follow us on social media.
Previous Project Information
EA has used visuals on the medallion and from DCR and news archives to select a fountain that is historically accurate to the original, but with new features. Rather than continuous white lights and less efficient power, the new fountain will function with more ecologically sustainable systems and programmable LEDs. Expect more efficient water flows that enhance the lagoon’s water aeration and circulation to improve river ecology, increasing beneficial oxygenation and reducing harmful algae growth. EA will also have the capacity to present community-responsive light and water displays in ranging colors as a signal for national awareness causes, local team pride, holidays, programmed events, and more.
EA has secured funds to purchase a seasonal Aquamaster fountain. In 2024, when risks of fresh water freezing pass, EA will coordinate with local vendor Water & Wetland and DCR for annual seasonal installation and deinstallation.
We are extremely grateful to the Lawrence and Lilian Solomon Foundation, especially emeritus EA board member David Solomon, for leadership support of this project.
EA Board Chair Alexi Conine, EA Executive Director Jen Mergel, MA Dept of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Brian Arrigo, and Director of Projects and Planning Ali Badrigian
“DCR is committed to working with our partners to ensure we can fulfill our mission of protecting, promoting, and enhancing the state’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources for generations to come. The Esplanade Association has been a tremendous partner for many years, and we are excited to continue working together on the Centennial Fountain project, and future projects, that will bring new life to one of our most visited parks, the Esplanade.”
Brian Arrigo
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner
You can find press regarding this project here
If you have any questions regarding this project feel free to contact Alison Badrigian, Director of Projects and Planning at abadrigian@esplanade.org.
If you would like to provide major support to this project, please contact Jim Diverio, Director of Development, at jdiverio@esplanade.org or click below:
