Miracle on Mound
A special spot
Explore the history and beauty of Luke Wood Park, from its original vibrant landscapes, to the cherished Mable Ringling Memorial Fountain.
Our revitalization plans aim to bring a hidden gem of a historic fountain and scenic natural park back to life.
Our Mission
Miracle on Mound is dedicated to revitalizing Luke Wood Park, a historic treasure of Sarasota. With roots dating back to the donation of land for a public park by Luke Wood in the 1930s, our initiative aims to restore this green oasis and rekindle community spirit.
We envision a vibrant park, blossoming with nature's beauty, promoting community health and well-being, and serving as a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors alike.
According to the Sarasota County Historical Marker placed in Luke Wood Park in 2015, "Mable Ringling, born Armilda Burton on March 4, 1875, married John Ringling on 1905 and became a Sarasota winter resident in 1911. Mable, an avid gardener, created the formal Ca'd'Zan rose garden. In the mid-1920s, she became involved in many community organizations and helped establish the Sarasota Garden Club, becoming the first president of its Founders Circle."
The Mable Ringling Memorial Fountain was dedicated in 1938 to honor her appreciation of Sarasota's natural beauty.
Mable's Legacy
Luke Wood gift
Luke and Annie Wood moved to Sarasota in March 1896 and became involved in the city’s winter activities and organizations.
Luke purchased 70 acres on the city’s south side as a 30th anniversary wedding present for Annie. Their home was built on the present site of the Sarasota Ford dealership and McDonald’s restaurant.
In 1931, Wood donated 12 acres of their estate to the City of Sarasota.
With assistance from the Sarasota Garden Club, the land was converted into a pedestrian park, complete with more than 1,000 trees and shrubs, a lagoon and reflecting pool, bird sanctuary, walking paths, and the Mable Ringling Memorial Fountain, constructed by the Founder’s Circle in honor of its first president.
John Ringling donated two marble lions by an Italian sculptor placed on either side of the fountain.
Restoration
In 2011, the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation (SAHP) began restoration of Mable’s fountain. Through individual donations, and grants from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (The Ringling), and the John Ringling Towers Fund of the Arts and Cultural Alliance, more than $95K was raised, of which $20K was used to endow funds for annual maintenance of the fountain.
With much volunteer labor and supporting organizations, Mable’s fountain was cleared of debris, the water pipes connecting the 500-foot well were repaired, and Luke Wood Park’s centerpiece was once again operational.
Because the utility (water) and maintenance costs of operating the fountain exceeded those funds provided through the endowment, SAHP was forced to terminate its agreement with the City on May 17, 2020. Operation of the fountain was transferred to the City’s Utilities Department, and the decision was made in 2022 to disconnect water and electrical service to the fountain.
Although John & Mable Ringling and their contemporaries enjoyed the nature trails, community events, and birdwatching offered at the bucolic location, the park fell into disrepair during World War II.
By the early part of the 21st century, Luke Wood Park was divided by Mound Street (U.S. 41). The special fountain dedicated to the woman who had led the effort to beautify Sarasota was filled in, and the marble lions removed to allow for construction of the nearby Friendship Center.