T he Bobby Maas Memorial Fountain in Fanny Lewis Park was dedicated Sunday, August 8, 2004 at a 12 noon ceremony. Dedication speakers were Joe Darcey, Frank Van Der Hoogt, Lee Block, Sherrie Avery-King, Mayor John David, and Deb Maas Brix. Ramona Hackbarth, fountain chairperson, was the mistress of ceremonies.

Those involved in the completion of the fountain project were Maas Bros. Construction (Collin Maas), Archie Monuments, Wilke Electric, Sunrise Pool & Spa (Scott Grunewald,) Marty's Bobcats, and Ed Breunig (rocks). Landscaping was done by Chuck Andersen, Ramona Hackbarth, and Julie Kulke with materials purchased at Ebert's Greenhouse Village.

Bobby Maas (8/13/1922 - 8/22/2000) was a patron of the arts in Watertown and one of the founders of the Watertown Arts Council. She was president of the council for over 25 years and spent many hours on the council’s outdoor art festival. She also fostered the beautification of the city of Watertown through the installation of three river fountans, the hanging planters on Main Street, Christmas lights, and the council’s circulating art collection.

At one time three River Fountains were installed during the summer between the Main Street and Milwaukee Street bridges. The cost of the first fountain was shared with the city in 1989. In 1991 the council expended $17,000 of its funds to purchase two additional fountains.

As of the spring of 2004 only one of the three original River Fountains is in operating condition. The Art Council is seeking funds to replace the other fountains.

Three scholarships to summer art camps are awarded to high school students each year.

The council has been actively involved in the selection and placement of flowers in the city, particularly the Main Street flower pots and beds on Western Avenue and Fanny Lewis Park where weeping willow trees were also planted.