LOVELAND, Ohio — The city of Loveland is asking residents to help pay for a bronze sculpture and water feature planned for Nisbet Park, launching a fundraising campaign this week tied to the city’s 150th anniversary.
The project, called “Loveland’s Heart,” carries a $100,000 fundraising goal and is envisioned as a signature landmark inspired by the city’s natural beauty and its connection to the Little Miami River, according to the city’s fundraising campaign page. Donations range from $25 to $25,000, and the campaign had collected $125 toward its goal as of Wednesday.
City officials described the sculpture and accompanying water feature as a way to create a new gathering spot for residents and visitors at Nisbet Park, a longtime public space along the river in downtown Loveland. “Public art has the power to do more than beautify a park,” the city said in its campaign materials. “It creates gathering places, inspires conversation, strengthens community pride, and encourages tourism.”
The fundraiser is one of several projects the city has organized to mark its sesquicentennial. Loveland was founded in 1876, making 2026 its 150th year, according to the city. The celebration has included the Mayor’s Gala fundraiser Sept. 12 at Indie Hollow Farm, a self-guided walking tour of historic landmarks, sesquicentennial-branded apparel and a single-barrel bourbon raffle, the city said.
The city is also collecting items for a new time capsule, to be sealed until 2076 and placed at a planned amphitheater in Nisbet Park. Submissions are due Oct. 30, according to the city.
No completion date has been set for the sculpture project. The city said every contribution, regardless of size, moves the effort closer to completion.
The information contained in this story was obtained from the city of Loveland’s Facebook page.