T he pond and landscape surrounding the Zorach Fountain in Bath will be getting a facelift in the coming months. Following three years of fundraising and a municipal bond to help fund the project, work has begun on renovating the pond, the surrounding land and the bridge.

The pond sits in the south-west corner of City Park, and has been subject to surface water runoff from the rest of the park.

“It creates almost a swamp-like condition in that part of the park,” said Linda Wood, president of Friends of Zorach Fountain. “And the runoff from that drainage as well as grass clippings and organic matter that fall in the pond create a really horrible algae problem in the pond, which then clogs the plumbing. It’s very unattractive and dangerous to the fountain.”

The sculpture, titled “The Spirit of the Sea,” that sits in the middle of the pond was commissioned from William Zorach by the Bath Garden Club in 1956. The internationally acclaimed artist, who lived in Georgetown for a number of years, completed the sculpture in 1962, when it was presented to the city and installed in City Park. The nonprofit Friends of Zorach Fountain took over care of the fountain in 2002.

After years of planning and preparation, renovations are finally underway that will include a number of changes being made to the pond to improve drainage and aesthetics around the pond.

“Landscape designer Mark Jorgensen and contractors will erect frost walls, replace the pond base surface, and add edgings of boulders and plantings to enhance the beauty of the sculpture and its environs,” said the Friends of Zorach Fountain in a press release. “The project was designed by landscape architect Bruce John Riddell, along with Mr. Jorgensen.”

“The goal is primarily water quality and accessibility for people regardless of the season,” said Wood.

The group will also be replacing a bridge in the park.

Jorgensen’s work is expected to continue throughout the winter — weather permitting. Wood said that the project is expected to be wrapped up in May 2017, and the entire area will be ready for Bath Heritage Days. The group plans to hold a big celebration in the park next year after the project is complete ahead of Heritage Days.

Bath’s Public Works and Parks Department has already drained the pond and begun preparing it for Jorgensen.

Wood said that the city is still accepting donations to help install additional seating, plantings and other refinements around the pond.

“We are very committed to the sculpture and to providing appropriate and respectful surroundings,” said Wood.