April: Kansas City Fountains
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Seahorse Fountain (Meyer Circle)
The Seahorse Fountain, also known as the Meyer Circle Fountain, is among Kansas City’s older fountains. It is also one of the most well known, residing on the busy intersection of Meyer Boulevard and Ward Parkway. As with much of the early city planning in Kansas City, a fountain was seen as an important feature of the boulevard. J.C. Nichols was a developer who made many important contributions to the growth of Kansas City and designed some of its most prominent features. He not only donated the money for the outdoor fountain to the city, he also had an important hand in the construction of the Seahorse Fountain. Nichols found the center sculpture for the water fountain in a square in Venice, Italy. It had stood there for over 300 years. Nichols bought the sculpture and had it sent to Kansas City. Architect Edward Buehler Delk took the 17th century sculpture and incorporated it into a design for a fountain. Delk was a student of Greek and Roman architecture who at that time worked for the J.C. Nichols Company. After working for the Nichols Company, he also worked with Frank Lloyd Wright on two Kansas City buildings. His designs can be seen in many buildings throughout Kansas City. The Seahorse Fountain was completed in 1925. The fountain consists of a two-tiered bowl that is held up by three cherubs, a dolphin and the three seahorses that give the fountain its popular name. These figures rest on a larger limestone base which is situated in a larger basin. A child and dolphin top the bowl, which is made from Italian marble. Including the limestone base, the water fountain stands 16 feet high. Throughout the years, the Seahorse Fountain has been vandalized and repaired a number of times. It was also severely damaged by a car crash. In 1994, a renovation of the traffic circle was planned and the figures that hold up the bowls were found to have deteriorated beyond repair. The figures were recast in sandstone and replaced. In 2000, the fountain was damaged again when the child on top of the fountain was broken off in an act of vandalism. A stone craftsman from St. Louis restored the damaged sculpture at no charge, a donation which was estimated at $100,000. In spite of the repeated damage that has been done to it, the outdoor fountain remains a noted landmark situated in a beautiful residential area of the city. The fountain is considered one of the city’s most elaborate, with its heavy Roman influence. The overall affect of the design is of a mythical scene viewed from between delicate sprays of water and mist.
Seahorse Fountain (Meyer Circle)
The Seahorse Fountain, also known as the Meyer Circle Fountain, is among Kansas City’s older fountains. It is also one of the most well known, residing on the busy intersection of Meyer Boulevard and Ward Parkway. As with much of the early city planning in Kansas City, a fountain was seen as an important feature of the boulevard. J.C. Nichols was a developer who made many important contributions to the growth of Kansas City and designed some of its most prominent features. He not only donated the money for the outdoor fountain to the city, he also had an important hand in the construction of the Seahorse Fountain. Nichols found the center sculpture for the water fountain in a square in Venice, Italy. It had stood there for over 300 years. Nichols bought the sculpture and had it sent to Kansas City. Architect Edward Buehler Delk took the 17th century sculpture and incorporated it into a design for a fountain. Delk was a student of Greek and Roman architecture who at that time worked for the J.C. Nichols Company. After working for the Nichols Company, he also worked with Frank Lloyd Wright on two Kansas City buildings. His designs can be seen in many buildings throughout Kansas City. The Seahorse Fountain was completed in 1925. The fountain consists of a two-tiered bowl that is held up by three cherubs, a dolphin and the three seahorses that give the fountain its popular name. These figures rest on a larger limestone base which is situated in a larger basin. A child and dolphin top the bowl, which is made from Italian marble. Including the limestone base, the water fountain stands 16 feet high. Throughout the years, the Seahorse Fountain has been vandalized and repaired a number of times. It was also severely damaged by a car crash. In 1994, a renovation of the traffic circle was planned and the figures that hold up the bowls were found to have deteriorated beyond repair. The figures were recast in sandstone and replaced. In 2000, the fountain was damaged again when the child on top of the fountain was broken off in an act of vandalism. A stone craftsman from St. Louis restored the damaged sculpture at no charge, a donation which was estimated at $100,000. In spite of the repeated damage that has been done to it, the outdoor fountain remains a noted landmark situated in a beautiful residential area of the city. The fountain is considered one of the city’s most elaborate, with its heavy Roman influence. The overall affect of the design is of a mythical scene viewed from between delicate sprays of water and mist.
In the 1960's, the Kansas City area awarded more Eagle Scout badges than any other council in the country. John Starr, president of the Boy Scout Regional Council, petitioned the Pennsylvania Railroad for a sculpture adorning the Seventh Avenue entrance of the Pennsylvania Railroad Station in New York City which was doomed. The sculpture was transported here where the original clock centerpiece was replaced with the Eagle Badge. Erected Oct. 6, 1968. This monument serves a nationwide tribute to all members of the Boy Scouts of America who have earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Kansas City was chosen as the site because it as consistently awarded more Eagle Scout badges than any other area council.
In the 1960's, the Kansas City area awarded more Eagle Scout badges than any other council in the country. John Starr, president of the Boy Scout Regional Council, petitioned the Pennsylvania Railroad for a sculpture adorning the Seventh Avenue entrance of the Pennsylvania Railroad Station in New York City which was doomed. The sculpture was transported here where the original clock centerpiece was replaced with the Eagle Badge. Erected Oct. 6, 1968. This monument serves a nationwide tribute to all members of the Boy Scouts of America who have earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Kansas City was chosen as the site because it as consistently awarded more Eagle Scout badges than any other area council.
In the 1960's, the Kansas City area awarded more Eagle Scout badges than any other council in the country. John Starr, president of the Boy Scout Regional Council, petitioned the Pennsylvania Railroad for a sculpture adorning the Seventh Avenue entrance of the Pennsylvania Railroad Station in New York City which was doomed. The sculpture was transported here where the original clock centerpiece was replaced with the Eagle Badge. Erected Oct. 6, 1968. This monument serves a nationwide tribute to all members of the Boy Scouts of America who have earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Kansas City was chosen as the site because it as consistently awarded more Eagle Scout badges than any other area council.
In the 1960's, the Kansas City area awarded more Eagle Scout badges than any other council in the country. John Starr, president of the Boy Scout Regional Council, petitioned the Pennsylvania Railroad for a sculpture adorning the Seventh Avenue entrance of the Pennsylvania Railroad Station in New York City which was doomed. The sculpture was transported here where the original clock centerpiece was replaced with the Eagle Badge. Erected Oct. 6, 1968. This monument serves a nationwide tribute to all members of the Boy Scouts of America who have earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Kansas City was chosen as the site because it as consistently awarded more Eagle Scout badges than any other area council.
Kansas City is well known for the many water fountains throughout the city. Varying in sized and style, they are used to beautify the landscape and to commemorate people. Because of this tradition, which dates back to early in the city’s history, when the decision was made to build a memorial of those area residents who had died in the Vietnam War, the natural memorial was a fountain. In order to select a design for the outdoor fountain, a competition was held. Over fifty local artists submitted designs to the competition in 1982. The artist eventually selected by the competition committee was a local artist named David Baker, who was also a Vietnam veteran. Baker’s plan for the water fountain and memorial was to symbolize the Vietnam war through an abstract design. A series of rectangular and overlapping pools were planned. The pools increase in size, representing the nation’s increasing involvement and investment in the war. The water from the pools eventually spills into two separate pools. This was symbolizing the division within the country that resulted from the conflict over whether or not the U.S. involvement in Vietnam was justified. The series of pools begins at the top of the hill with the smaller pools spilling into larger pools as they descend down the hill. Baker’s design stood out from the others in its ability to memorialize a war that was not popular with much of the country while still respecting those who had given their lives. Rather than taking a particular position, the fountain memorializes the entire event. The fountain design was viewed as a symbol of mending the division caused within the country because of water’s ability to cleanse and heal. The land for the memorial fountain, to be located at 43rd and Broadway near the Country Club Plaza, was donated by the Parks Department. $1.3 million was needed for the building of the memorial and it was raised through private donations. In addition to the fountain, a wall ten feet high and 155 feet in length makes up a part of the memorial. The wall is inscribed with the names of 385 men who were killed or missing in action in the war. These men come from Kansas City or the surrounding seven-county metropolitan area.
Kansas City is well known for the many water fountains throughout the city. Varying in sized and style, they are used to beautify the landscape and to commemorate people. Because of this tradition, which dates back to early in the city’s history, when the decision was made to build a memorial of those area residents who had died in the Vietnam War, the natural memorial was a fountain. In order to select a design for the outdoor fountain, a competition was held. Over fifty local artists submitted designs to the competition in 1982. The artist eventually selected by the competition committee was a local artist named David Baker, who was also a Vietnam veteran. Baker’s plan for the water fountain and memorial was to symbolize the Vietnam war through an abstract design. A series of rectangular and overlapping pools were planned. The pools increase in size, representing the nation’s increasing involvement and investment in the war. The water from the pools eventually spills into two separate pools. This was symbolizing the division within the country that resulted from the conflict over whether or not the U.S. involvement in Vietnam was justified. The series of pools begins at the top of the hill with the smaller pools spilling into larger pools as they descend down the hill. Baker’s design stood out from the others in its ability to memorialize a war that was not popular with much of the country while still respecting those who had given their lives. Rather than taking a particular position, the fountain memorializes the entire event. The fountain design was viewed as a symbol of mending the division caused within the country because of water’s ability to cleanse and heal. The land for the memorial fountain, to be located at 43rd and Broadway near the Country Club Plaza, was donated by the Parks Department. $1.3 million was needed for the building of the memorial and it was raised through private donations. In addition to the fountain, a wall ten feet high and 155 feet in length makes up a part of the memorial. The wall is inscribed with the names of 385 men who were killed or missing in action in the war. These men come from Kansas City or the surrounding seven-county metropolitan area.
Kansas City is well known for the many water fountains throughout the city. Varying in sized and style, they are used to beautify the landscape and to commemorate people. Because of this tradition, which dates back to early in the city’s history, when the decision was made to build a memorial of those area residents who had died in the Vietnam War, the natural memorial was a fountain. In order to select a design for the outdoor fountain, a competition was held. Over fifty local artists submitted designs to the competition in 1982. The artist eventually selected by the competition committee was a local artist named David Baker, who was also a Vietnam veteran. Baker’s plan for the water fountain and memorial was to symbolize the Vietnam war through an abstract design. A series of rectangular and overlapping pools were planned. The pools increase in size, representing the nation’s increasing involvement and investment in the war. The water from the pools eventually spills into two separate pools. This was symbolizing the division within the country that resulted from the conflict over whether or not the U.S. involvement in Vietnam was justified. The series of pools begins at the top of the hill with the smaller pools spilling into larger pools as they descend down the hill. Baker’s design stood out from the others in its ability to memorialize a war that was not popular with much of the country while still respecting those who had given their lives. Rather than taking a particular position, the fountain memorializes the entire event. The fountain design was viewed as a symbol of mending the division caused within the country because of water’s ability to cleanse and heal. The land for the memorial fountain, to be located at 43rd and Broadway near the Country Club Plaza, was donated by the Parks Department. $1.3 million was needed for the building of the memorial and it was raised through private donations. In addition to the fountain, a wall ten feet high and 155 feet in length makes up a part of the memorial. The wall is inscribed with the names of 385 men who were killed or missing in action in the war. These men come from Kansas City or the surrounding seven-county metropolitan area.
Kansas City is well known for the many water fountains throughout the city. Varying in sized and style, they are used to beautify the landscape and to commemorate people. Because of this tradition, which dates back to early in the city’s history, when the decision was made to build a memorial of those area residents who had died in the Vietnam War, the natural memorial was a fountain. In order to select a design for the outdoor fountain, a competition was held. Over fifty local artists submitted designs to the competition in 1982. The artist eventually selected by the competition committee was a local artist named David Baker, who was also a Vietnam veteran. Baker’s plan for the water fountain and memorial was to symbolize the Vietnam war through an abstract design. A series of rectangular and overlapping pools were planned. The pools increase in size, representing the nation’s increasing involvement and investment in the war. The water from the pools eventually spills into two separate pools. This was symbolizing the division within the country that resulted from the conflict over whether or not the U.S. involvement in Vietnam was justified. The series of pools begins at the top of the hill with the smaller pools spilling into larger pools as they descend down the hill. Baker’s design stood out from the others in its ability to memorialize a war that was not popular with much of the country while still respecting those who had given their lives. Rather than taking a particular position, the fountain memorializes the entire event. The fountain design was viewed as a symbol of mending the division caused within the country because of water’s ability to cleanse and heal. The land for the memorial fountain, to be located at 43rd and Broadway near the Country Club Plaza, was donated by the Parks Department. $1.3 million was needed for the building of the memorial and it was raised through private donations. In addition to the fountain, a wall ten feet high and 155 feet in length makes up a part of the memorial. The wall is inscribed with the names of 385 men who were killed or missing in action in the war. These men come from Kansas City or the surrounding seven-county metropolitan area.
Kansas City Life 100-year Commemorative Plaza Fountain
A floating ball fountain which features a one-ton red "kugel" that will spin on a thin film of water pumped from beneath a three-foot high marble base. The ball was fashioned from granite that was mined in India. The fountain will be in perpetual motion and will be lit at night. Erected in 1997.
The Firefighters Fountain of Kansas City is located Penn Valley Park, north of Country Club Plaza at 31st and Broadway. As its name implies, the Firefighters Fountain is a memorial to those firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty throughout the city’s history. The decision to create this memorial for all of the fallen firefighters was brought on by a tragic event in 1988. Early in the morning on November 29, 1988, Kansas City fire trucks were dispatched to put out a burning pickup truck at a construction site. They were warned that there may be construction-related explosives at the site, but they were not aware of the volume of powerful explosives that were inside several trailers adjacent to the burning truck. The explosion that occurred when the fire from the truck set off one of the trailers killed six firefighters instantly. The tragedy was felt throughout Kansas City. The loss was made even more difficult to understand when a subsequent investigation revealed that arson had caused the initial fire. The arsonists were individuals involved in a labor dispute with the construction company. In an effort to commemorate those who had died in the disaster, a plan was formed to memorialize not only these firefighters, but all those who had died in the line of duty in Kansas City’s history. In keeping with Kansas City’s reputation as ”The City of Fountains,” an outdoor fountain was the logical choice for a memorial. The project was funded by the Kansas City Parks Department and private donations. Larkin Aquatics was commissioned to design the water fountain and associated landscaping. A competition was held to determine who would create the two bronze sculptures planned to figure importantly into the fountain’s design. The winner of the competition was a local sculptor, Tom Corbin. Corbin’s work can be seen in several other prominent Kansas City water fountains. The finished fountain features two sculpted bronze firefighters pointing a hose. The sculptures are surrounded by a basin of water approximately 80 feet in diameter and holding 76,000 gallons of water, making this outdoor fountain one of the largest in Kansas City. Water shoots from 48 brass nozzles that are real nozzles used on fire truck hoses. The fountains water sprays create a striking resemblance to water being sprayed from a fire hose. In addition to the fountain itself, there are a series of short pillars located in a semi-circle behind the fountain. Etched into the granite are the names of every firefighter in Kansas City who has died in service. In the center of the pillars, there is the figure of a firefighter with his head bowed. The fountain was completed and dedicated in 1991. As one of the largest in the city, it is a popular stop for locals and visitors.
The Muse of the Missouri is located in the heart of downtown. Based on classical mythology, this creation of artist Wheeler Williams personifies a goddess bestowing her interest and guidance on the Missouri River. Williams had originally intended to use fish native to the river spilling from the net. However, he found catfish too ugly and carp unworkable. The nine fish netted by the muse are a hybrid using a carp body and bluefish head. There are 200 spouts of water making up the total fountain display. This fountain, on the median strip between Eighth and Ninth streets on Main, provides a welcome respite between busy downtown streets. Erected in 1963.