Statues return to J.C. Nichols Fountain as reopening approaches

The grand reopening of Kansas City’s J.C. Nichols Fountain is near, and the renovation took a big step forward on Wednesday as crews delivered the fountain’s refurbished iconic bronze statuary.

The fountain has been surrounded by fencing since December as it has undergone its first major renovation in more than 50 years, thanks to $250,000 in private donations.

City officials timed the repairs to have the fountains back in working order for Fountain Day on April 14.

The Nichols Fountain at the Country Club Plaza is probably Kansas City’s most famous waterwork, gaining national exposure during televised coverage when the “City of Fountains” hosted was host for the World Series in October. But the concrete bases under the bronze sculptures were crumbling, the basin floor was cracked, the pumps and motors needed to be replaced, and the statuary had to be cleaned and waxed.

Recognizing the need to preserve these artistic treasures, the City of Fountains Foundation launched its “Wish Upon a Fountain” campaign in June 2013, hoping to raise $2.5 million to fix eight signature fountains. It has since upped its goal to $3 million.

For more information on the fundraising campaign, go to KCFountains.com.

This story was originally published April 1, 2015 at 10:42 AM.