Kansas City Water Fountains

Kansas City, home to more outdoor fountains than any other city in the country, began its tradition of fountains for sensible reasons: Water was a major aspect in the growth of Kansas City, and from the beginning, water fountains were a defining feature of the city.

During the late 1800s, the Humane Society of Kansas City began constructing water fountains over natural springs to supply both humans and animals with a readily available source of clean water. The city began constructing its first outdoor fountain during 1899 and was part of a plan to renovate the city’s parks and boulevards. It was the ambition of the early city officials to create a beautiful city whose boulevards would rival those of Paris and outdoor water fountains that would rival those of Rome. Focusing on the construction of pubic water fountains proved to be an excellent way for the city to situate its water-based beginning while beautifying the neighboring areas.

Garden fountains have very much become a part of what separates Kansas City from other cities. Although not obligatory, it is expected that any major structure will include a decorative fountain. While the list is continuously increasing, over 200 public outdoor fountains can now be found in Kansas City. There are also huge numbers of private backyard garden fountains found in houses around the city.

Although the amount of fountains is of city pride, it is also the artistry of the different fountains that truly makes Kansas “The City of Fountains.” Some wall and water fountains have been made references to other well-known fountains in Europe, while others were depicted from significant local historical events and others imitate today’s modern design concepts.

The J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain is the most well-known and most often photographed. It was dedicated in 1960; however the history of the fountain began decades before.

The fountain provide of a pool with an 80-foot diameter. Four mounted figures standing more than 10 feet high circle a two-tiered basin at the center of the pool. Even though the real significance of the four figures is not clear, it is considered that they symbolize four of the world’s great rivers, the Rhine, Seine, Mississippi and Volga. The figure that stands for the Mississippi is a mounted. An alligator with a spear in its mouth, thrown by a Native American. Smaller figures of children riding dolphins also circle the central basin. The center fountain shoots water up to 30 feet and the dolphins shoot towards the center.

One of the most lighthearted and whimsical fountains in Kansas City is the William Volker Memorial Fountain. The outdoor fountain was dedicated as a memorial to local philanthropist, William Volker in 1958, who had died 11 years earlier.

A Swedish artist named Carl Milles designed the fountain. The figure at the center is St. Martin of Tours, a patron saint of France. Saint Martin’s story is when he was still a soldier; he met a beggar on a very cold day and offered the man half of his cloak

In additional of a part of humor to the water fountain, Milles uses some angels around St. Martin. One angel was playing with the wrong end of a flute and another had a wristwatch. Four angel figures encircle St. Martin, who is exposing mounted on a horse. Three of the figures are underneath him, while the angel performing the flute is on a pedestal above him. The figures sit in a large shiny pool. The outdoor fountain jets spray water from two pools next to the main one.

The Eagle Scout Memorial Fountain was formerly part of the Seventh Avenue clock at Pennsylvania Station in New York City. While the station was tattered down, Kansas City petitioned to get hold of the clock sculpture and replaced its face with an Eagle Scout tribute.

The Courtyard Lion Fountain is a large outdoor fountain handcrafted in the USA and made of cast stone, which is available in many different finishes. This unique outdoor fountain is sure to be the perfect addition or accent to any garden setting or even a great center piece if your have a grand circular drive in front of your house. The Courtyard Lion Fountain displays class and elegance with its grand cast stone handcrafted by artisans to be beautiful and durable. This wonderful large outdoor fountain is sure to catch everyone's attention while looking beautiful in your garden and it only costs about $3,250.

Features:

• Hand-crafted in the USA

• Made of cast stone

• Available in 35 Different Finishes (please contact us for the color chart or actual color samples available)

• Warranty: 1 year

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 66"H x 62"W

• Fountain Weight: 1946 lbs.