Building Our Future Committee

The Building Our Future Committee (BOFC) consists of Lima citizens who volunteer their time to assist the City in making capital improvements. The idea for Building Our Future came to life in 1993 when a group of concerned citizens determined that in order to make needed capital improvements, additional money was needed.

The restoration of the Children's Memorial Fountain - the latest project of the BOFC (2009)

In 1995 the committee tried a unique idea. Cartoons, drawn by local artist Dave Adams, were inserted into the monthly water bills. What these cartoons did was to advertise the fact that Lima was accepting donations from the public to make capital improvements. The cartoons also keep the public up to date on what projects have been completed.

For the public, the process is simple. At the bottom of the monthly water bill, list the amount of donation that is being given. Amounts from $0.10 to $15,000 have been given since its inception. No amount is too small because small amounts add up.

Items approved for purchase by the Building Our Future Committee include:

• Playground equipment at Faurot Park by Woodlawn Avenue entrance
• Donations to reconstruction of Bear Lake Bridge in Faurot Park
• Bleachers and numerous fir trees at Robb Park.
• Picnic tables and grills at Schoonover Park
• Bikepath improvements at Hover Park
• Basketball courts at Robb Park
• Repairs to Bear Pit Bridge
• Ramps at the Skateboard Park in Faurot Park
• Bleachers and goal posts at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park
• Playground at Faurot Park near Bear Pit
• Ottawa River Bike Loan Program
• Portable ice skating rink
• Diving board at Schoonover Pool
• Baseball diamond striper
• Baseball diamond dragging equipment
• Restoration of the Children's Memorial Fountain

Children's Memorial Fountain 

The story of the fountain begins with Nathan L. Michael who was born in Germany on June 16, 1865. His mother died when he was 14 and when his father remarried, he decided to immigrate to America. He left Germany on his 16^th birthday and borrowed the money to make the trip. He arrived in the United States with on $1.00 in his pocket.

He was a prominent businessman and owned Michael Clothing Store. In addition, he was a Vice President of Colonial Finance, Director of First American Bank and Trust, Director of Lima Telephone and Telegraph Company, a President of the Temple Beth Israel and a member of the B’nai Britt and the Masonic Order. He was a trustee of the Allen County Children’s Welfare Association and Family Welfare Association. It is reported that he was largely responsible for the organization of said associations.

To celebrate forty successful years of his clothing store, on the anniversary date, Mr. Michael gave donations to Associated Charities to alleviate the suffering of the poor in Lima and the Red Cross to be used in the war relief effort. (The Lima Times Democratic January 14, 1918)

His wife Rose Michael was active as well. She was the President of the Jewish Ladies’ Aid Society and was largely responsible for building the Temple Beth Israel on W. Market Street. She died March 31, 1918.

Mr. Michael died March 26, 1926 at the age of 69 while wintering in Florida. At the time of his death, he bequeathed money for the erection of a fountain that was to be built in Faurot Park. The fountain is patterned after one in New Orleans, LA and was to cost approximately $4,800. The bequest was for $5,000.

The inscription on the fountain reads:

GIVEN TO THE LITTLE CHILDREN OF LIMA
BY
NATHAN AND ROSE MICHAEL
MARCH 13, 1926
AS A TESTIMONIAL OF LOVE FOR THEIR HOME CITY
THEY LOVED THE BEAUTIFUL AND
GAVE THAT ALL MIGHT ENJOY

The original fountain had a wading pool that was closed when tuberculosis became a community health problem. BOFC members acquired donations to restore the fountain and add a splash park feature to replace the wading pool.

Children's Memorial Fountain Re-Dedicated

On July 4, 2009, the BOFC realized their dreams to re-store and re-dedicate the Children's Memorial Fountain in Faurot Park.  Approximately 120 people attended the ribbon cutting and dedication that was held during the Star Spangled Spectacular.  The cost for the restoration was $65,000, all from donations by the community.  Labor and expertise in restoring the fountain was donated by the following entities, without which the fountain would not be complete:

Tuttle Construction , Inc.
LJB, Inc.
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union No. 776 AFL
Carpenters' Local No. 372
John Heaphy
Brian Keegan
Electricians Local Union No. 32
Cement Masons & Plasters Local Union No. 886
Operating Engineers Local Union No. 18
Painters Union No. 1020
Sidney Electric
Lima city Utilities Department
Lima City Parks, Recreation & Forestry
National Lima & Stone
All Purpose Contracting
Ohio Contractors Association

Brick Sales
Funds continue to be raised by the sale of commemorative brick pavers that would be placed around the fountain. Pavers come in three sizes, 4"x8" for $100, 8"x8" for $250 and 12"x12" granite for $1,000. Donations are tax deductible. Proceed that are not needed for construction of the fountain will be placed in a maintenance fund for future use.

Brick and granite pavers are available in honor of a loved one. Just download the order form and send a check or a donation to the 

The fountain before recent restoration.

The Children's Memorial Fountain restored and re-dedicated on July 4, 2009.  A splash pad was added to the design.

Children play in the fountain splash pad on July 4, 2009 after the re-dedication.

Buy a Tree, Build a Future

The Building Our Future Committee provides a unique opportunity for the community to help beautify Lima. Spruce trees, flowering trees and/or shade trees can be purchased and placed in the location of choice: in a park, along the street or along the Riverwalk.

The City of Lima will plant your tree, so there is no back breaking work for you to do.