Citywide Fountain Assessment (KCMO)

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Project Type

Location

Year Completed

2026

Waters Edge Aquatic Design partnered with the City of Fountains Foundation (COFF) to conduct assessments of nearly 50 water fountains across Kansas City, Missouri. The COFF, a nonprofit founded in 1973, works with the Kansas City Parks & Recreation Department to promote and advocate for public fountains throughout the metro. Fountains have long been central to Kansas City’s identity and culture, with the first built in 1898.

In November 2022, Kansas City voters approved $125 million in general obligation (GO) bonds for citywide maintenance and upgrades. Of that amount, $80 million is dedicated to improving or repairing park facilities, community centers, public pools, and historic fountains.

To accomplish this project, Waters Edge developed a standardized assessment form to evaluate each fountain and provide an overall grade for physical condition. Our engineers visited each fountain site, documenting their findings through field observations and photographs. Site conditions were evaluated against multiple criteria, including safety, structural integrity, coatings, piping systems, mechanical and electrical equipment, lighting, water consumption, maintenance requirements, and associated sculptural elements.

Upon completion of the assessments, Waters Edge provided recommendations and opinions on repair costs to help sustain operations at each fountain location. These findings establish a framework for prioritizing investments and preserving Kansas City’s fountain system as a defining civic and cultural asset for years to come.


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