Big fixes needed on some Kansas City fountains

Every fountain needs constant upkeep. But, sometimes, significant damage requires extra attention. Eight fountains in severe need of renovation or repair were identified in the ongoing Wish Upon a Fountain campaign by the City of Fountains Foundation. They are:

William Volker Memorial Fountain: Raised $1.2 million from multiple sources for extensive water system and sculptural repairs. Work completed.

Children’s Fountain: Raised $250,000 from multiple sources to replace and conserve parts and statuary. Work nearly completed.

Delbert Haff Fountain: Raised $461,000 from James B. Nutter Sr. and other sources to reconstruct fountain and surrounding infrastructure. Work nearly completed.

Spirit of Freedom Fountain: Raised $250,000 from corporate sources and the city to repair water system and sculpture supports. Work is under way.

Sea Horse Fountain at Meyer Circle: Raised $150,000 from a single anonymous donor to repair and conserve sculptures. That work was completed but flooding ruined plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems that now need replacement at Kansas City Parks Department expense.

J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain: Raised $455,000 from the Nichols Foundation and other sources plus $55,000 in in-kind services to restore and preserve the sculptures and do major system and site improvements. Work completed.

Seville Light Fountain: Raised $500,000 from Highwood Properties to replace complete operating system and repair structure. Work completed.

West Side Fountain: Raised $105,000 from corporate sources to repair or replace weather-damaged parts but needs about $145,000 more before work can begin.

Information about Kansas City fountains and fundraising is available from the City of Fountains Foundation at kcfountains.com or 816-842-2299 and from the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department at kcparks.org/fountains or 816-513-7500.

This story was originally published May 16, 2016 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Big fixes needed on some Kansas City fountains."