Como Park's Schiffman Fountain restoration near completion

The Schiffman Fountain near Como Lake and the Gates Ajar floral arrangement is close to returning to its summertime splendor after a restoration project that lasted more than a year.

St. Paul city officials say the water will start to flow during a mid-June rededication.

"The next couple weeks, staff are going to be working to re-connect the utilities and the water pumps, as well as installing a new LED lighting system," said Clare Cloyd of the St. Paul Park Board.

It's believed that this was the first time the sculpture was completely restored since it was installed in Como Park in 1897.

The sculpture was commissioned by Rudolph Schiffman, an early member of the St. Paul Park Board.