KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — Kalamazoo city commissioners voted to remove the controversialFountain of the Pioneers from Bronson Park by a vote of 5-1.
It was a packed house in Kalamazoo Monday evening as city commissioners heard public comment on a recommendation to remove the fountain.
City staff say it will be removed this spring — though it’s not yet known where it will be relocated. On Monday, city officials put the cost at around $2 million.
Last week, City Manager Jim Ritsema recommended taking the fountain, which has been the center of debate for some time, out of the park.
The meeting stretched into the night as a line of dozens waited to express their opinion on the fountain, which depicts a European settler with a sword or club in his hand standing over a Native American. Opponents say it’s racist. Supporters call it art and say it forces people to reflect on history.