Photos by Ed McClure
On July 17, Malaga Bank graciously hosted a special event in their courtyard to celebrate the restoration of the iconic Neptune Fountain in Malaga Cove Plaza. The event honored the generosity of donors whose contributions made the restoration possible.
The initiative began when Maria Peters, a lifelong resident of Palos Verdes Estates, noticed the fountain’s deteriorating condition during a casual stroll. Despite having passed by countless times, that particular day she observed the marble’s dullness, chipped paint, and even a missing cherub’s head.
Motivated by a sense of nostalgia and community pride, Peters quickly took action. Her vision gained immediate support following a fortuitous conversation with Councilmember and PVE Foundation President David McGowan at the Ranch Café. With the PVE Foundation’s involvement, the restoration project moved forward swiftly, with dedicated craftsmen beginning work by May.
Under the careful guidance of contractor John Quinn of Quinn Construction, the fountain underwent meticulous restoration. Quinn’s team bead-blasted the marble to clear away decades of accumulation, installed six new LED lighting fixtures for enhanced illumination, and concealed previously exposed wiring underground. Additionally, plumbing and mechanical systems were thoroughly updated, and a marble specialist crafted a new head for the damaged cherub.
The Neptune Fountain, a historic gift from the Palos Verdes Project in 1934, has long symbolized the city, featuring prominently in the official logo of Palos Verdes Estates. Modeled after Bologna, Italy’s renowned Fontana del Nettuno, it depicts Neptune, Roman God of the Sea, surrounded by whimsical figures of cherubs, mermaids, and dolphins. Over its nearly ninety-year history, it has remained a cherished cultural and visual landmark, hosting countless community gatherings and serving as a popular backdrop for weddings, graduations, and memorable photographs.
Jere Murray, president of the Malaga Cove Plaza Beautification Project, was among those who generously supported the effort, contributing $10,000 towards the estimated $75,000 restoration cost, fully funded by community donations. Murray highlighted the fountain’s importance, calling it the “centerpiece of the city.”
Residents responded enthusiastically to Peters’ initiative, underscoring the effectiveness of community-driven projects in maintaining public spaces without solely relying on city funds. The restored Neptune Fountain, gleaming anew, once again serves as the vibrant heart of Malaga Cove Plaza, ready to welcome generations of visitors and residents alike.
