For 200 years and counting, Ely Square has stood as Elyria's central gathering place. Donated by the city's founder, Heman Ely, the square has long featured a series of fountains, each unique to the generations it served and each a focal point of civic pride. To continue that tradition, the 100-member 2017 City of Elyria Bicentennial Committee adopted the Ely Square Bicentennial Fountain as a legacy project in honor of Elyria's 200th birthday, made possible by donations of time and more than $355,000.00 from individuals, organizations, foundations, corporations, and city employees.