Fairmount Park Conservancy

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View from the South Path under construction

Women for the Water Works

Thank you to all those who attended the Third Annual Water Works Celebration on September 14, 2008! Over 600 people enjoyed a warm and wonderful evening of drinks, dining, music, and beautiful views amidst the restored Water Works buildings and South Garden. This year guests were able to visit the Water Works Interpretive Center as well as the climb the Central Cliff Path to view the soon-to-be-completed Rustic and Mercury Pavilions and raised boardwalk. Check back soon for photos of the event.

This year's celebration commemorated the conclusion of the Women for the Water Works $5 million campaign to restore and endow the South Garden and Cliffside Paths. After more than 30 years, the buildings and landscape are returning to their original 19th century splendor, creating a unique civic space for the enjoyment of everyone.

You can still make a donation to the Women for the Water Works campaign by clicking here.

See photos of the construction progress as of late August, 2008.

For more information on the history of the Water Works and the restoration campaign click here.

You can also visit the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center inside the old Water Works engine house for fascinating exhibits on the importance of water and watersheds.

Who We Are:

  • The Women for the Water Works is a committee of the Fairmount Park Conservancy that was founded in January of 2006.
  • The committee consists of approximately 115 civic-minded women who have committed to raising the necessary funds to finish Ernesta Ballard’s signature project, the South Gardens and Cliffside Paths at the Fairmount Water Works. For a full committee list please click here.
  • The exciting final phase of the Water Works project is the restoration of the North and South Cliffside Paths, the Mercury Pavilion and the Rustic Pavilion.
  • On May 2nd, 2008 the committee was honored by the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, which awarded the Women for the Water Works with a 2008 Community Action Award for commitment to the preservation of the Fairmount Water Works.

Landscape contruction progress as of late August, 2008

The new raised boardwalk at the top of the cliffs that will link the pavilions and paths

The North Path

The South Path

The footings for the new Rustic Pavilion

 

Still Available:

Limited Edition Full Color Water Works Photographs
by Graydon Wood, Senior Photographer at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

All photographs are 17 X 11 inches and signed and numbered. Limited Edition of 15 each. Prices are $250 each unframed and $500 framed. Contact us at 215-988-9334 for purchase. All proceeds go to benefit the final phase of the Water Works restoration.

 

Water Works: View from the Eagle Pavilion

 

Water Works: View from the West Bank of the Schuylkill River

 

Water Works: View from the South Garden

 

Water Works: The Graff Memorial