Park Ridge Landmarks: Fountain and Gates Granted Historic Status

City Council votes to designate century-old structures as protected landmarks

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Park Ridge City Council has voted to grant historic landmark status to two century-old structures in the city - the William H. Malone Fountain and the entry gates at Berry Parkway. The fountain, built in 1926 as a public donation, and the wrought iron and greystone subdivision gates from the 1920s, are now officially recognized as significant historic landmarks that the city will work to preserve.

Why it matters

The landmark designations provide an extra layer of protection for these historic structures, ensuring they cannot be easily removed or altered without public review. This helps maintain the character and history of Park Ridge, a city incorporated in 1910 that is working to preserve its most significant landmarks.

The details

The William H. Malone Fountain, designed by local sculptor John Paulding, was built in 1926 as a gift to the city from its second mayor. The fountain is currently shut down for the winter but is operational. The entry gates at Berry Parkway were erected in the 1920s as the entryway to an early subdivision, constructed of wrought iron and greystone. Both structures have long been maintained by the city's Public Works Department.

  • The City Council voted on February 2, 2026 to grant landmark status to the fountain and gates.
  • The William H. Malone Fountain was built in 1926.
  • The Berry Parkway gates were erected sometime in the 1920s.

The players

William H. Malone

Park Ridge's second mayor, who donated funds to build the fountain that now bears his name.

John Paulding

Local sculptor who designed the William H. Malone Fountain.

Joan Mattingly

Chair of the Park Ridge Historical Preservation Commission, who praised the city's decision to landmark the structures.

Marty Maloney

Mayor of Park Ridge, who asked about the city's ability to remove the landmarks in the future.

Drew Awsumb

Park Ridge's director of community preservation and development, who explained the process and protections of landmark status.

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What they’re saying

“The community there is very close knit. They've bonded together to support the gates and to keep the community special.”

— Joan Mattingly, Chair, Historical Preservation Commission (Chicago Tribune)

“The two newest landmarks, the Malone Fountain and the Berry Parkway Gates, are both significant structures that should be specially recognized.”

— Joan Mattingly, Chair, Historical Preservation Commission (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The city will continue to maintain and preserve the William H. Malone Fountain and Berry Parkway gates as protected historic landmarks. Any future plans to alter or remove the structures will require public review and approval.

The takeaway

Park Ridge's designation of the century-old fountain and subdivision gates as historic landmarks demonstrates the city's commitment to preserving its unique character and architectural heritage, even in the face of development pressures. This proactive approach helps ensure these beloved community landmarks will be enjoyed for generations to come.