Bok Tower Gardens Restoration: Iconic Singing Tower and Moat Undergoing Preservation

Bok Tower Gardens Restoration Project

• 🏞️ Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales is undergoing a significant preservation project to restore its iconic, nearly 100-year-old singing tower and moat.
• 💧 The tower's moat has been intentionally drained for the first time in approximately 20 years to remove accumulated debris and muck from algae growth.

Moat and Koi Preservation

• 🐠 The moat's resident 28 koi have been temporarily relocated to a shelter where they will receive disease treatment.
• 🏗️ Original construction details of the moat, including a coquina stone liner, are being revealed and cleaned as part of the restoration.
• 🪴 25 underwater planters will be rebuilt and refilled as part of the project.

Tower and Garden Enhancements

• 🛠️ Restoration work on the tower includes replacing the copper roof, removing rust from the carillon frame, and clearing drains.
• 🌊 Waterproofing of the tower is also a key component of the preservation efforts.
• 🌱 To enhance the visitor experience, the gardens are opening up surrounding vistas through prescribed burns and the removal of weak trees.

Project Timeline and Future Maintenance

• 🗓️ Visitors are anticipating the completion of the restoration project, with an anticipated reopening in July.
• 🧹 For long-term maintenance, the gardens plan to vacuum the bottom of the moat twice a year to keep it clean and clear.