The Parks and Recreation Department recently began seeking $168,000 in private funds to keep Kansas City’s glorious collection of public fountains turned on in 2010.But that’s the second best way to prevent the city’s 48 fountains from going dry and becoming an embarrassment for the self-proclaimed “City of Fountains.” The best option is for city officials to approve taxpayer funds for a key asset in Kansas City — paying for electricity to operate the ornamental fountains.Taxpayers have spent tens of millions of dollars to build and maintain the fountains. It would be irresponsible to turn them off, especially given the relatively small operating costs for the spring, summer and fall.Yet the city almost did just that in early 2009, when the parks board unfortunately threatened that the fountains wouldn’t be turned on because of budget concerns. Eventually, the Water Services Department underwrote the electricity expenses, essentially using public funds to keep them going.Parks Director Mark McHenry said Monday that the parks board would ask the City Council in 2010 to fully fund the electricity costs. That’s appropriate. But he added that the parks board might reduce or eliminate that request later if the city’s budget woes continue.So the parks department has established the Friends of the Fountains fund. It’s an attempt to raise the money required to pay the annual electricity bill, estimated at $168,000, from individuals and private businesses.While certainly donations should be welcomed, this should not be necessary. The parks board and the City Council ought to place operation of the fountains near the top of the priority list. The city could slightly trim other parks expenses — including support for the zoo, community centers and mowing public spaces — to free up the funds.Kansas City’s fountains dramatically improve our landscape, delighting thousands of residents and visitors every year. They deserve the small amount of public funding necessary to keep them flowing.

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Posted on Mon, Nov. 02, 2009 10:15 PM

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Keep KC’s fountains on

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The Parks and Recreation Department recently began seeking $168,000 in private funds to keep Kansas City’s glorious collection of public fountains turned on in 2010.

But that’s the second best way to prevent the city’s 48 fountains from going dry and becoming an embarrassment for the self-proclaimed “City of Fountains.” The best option is for city officials to approve taxpayer funds for a key asset in Kansas City — paying for electricity to operate the ornamental fountains.

Taxpayers have spent tens of millions of dollars to build and maintain the fountains. It would be irresponsible to turn them off, especially given the relatively small operating costs for the spring, summer and fall.

Yet the city almost did just that in early 2009, when the parks board unfortunately threatened that the fountains wouldn’t be turned on because of budget concerns. Eventually, the Water Services Department underwrote the electricity expenses, essentially using public funds to keep them going.

Parks Director Mark McHenry said Monday that the parks board would ask the City Council in 2010 to fully fund the electricity costs. That’s appropriate. But he added that the parks board might reduce or eliminate that request later if the city’s budget woes continue.

So the parks department has established the Friends of the Fountains fund. It’s an attempt to raise the money required to pay the annual electricity bill, estimated at $168,000, from individuals and private businesses.

While certainly donations should be welcomed, this should not be necessary. The parks board and the City Council ought to place operation of the fountains near the top of the priority list. The city could slightly trim other parks expenses — including support for the zoo, community centers and mowing public spaces — to free up the funds.

Kansas City’s fountains dramatically improve our landscape, delighting thousands of residents and visitors every year. They deserve the small amount of public funding necessary to keep them flowing.

Posted on Mon, Nov. 02, 2009 10:15 PM

Buzz Up

Comment (0)

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