Everything you need to know about Fountain Day

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

Blue Fountain Mill Creek.jpg

It’s officially fountain season.

Photo by Kansas City Parks and Recreation

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We’re called the City of Fountains for a reason. Fountain Day is an important date here in Kansas City, with 200+ registered fountains in the area — the second most in the world, next to Rome, Italy.

On Fountain Day, all 48 KCMO-operated fountains come alive for the season, marking the start of warmer days in KC. Today, April 14, is that special day. Here’s what you need to know to celebrate.

Water ‘bout the history?

Kansas City’s initial fountains are dated back to the 1800s, where people utilized the fountains for drinking water. This resulted in a revolution of distinctively designed fountains around the downtown area to give residents and visitors safer drinking water.

In 1973, the City of Fountains Foundation was born after a Hallmark executive traveled to Italy and found several fountains in less than ideal condition. That sparked the inspiration for the foundation to maintain KC’s beautiful fountains.

Need to know

When: Friday, April 14 at 2 p.m.
Where: Mill Creek Park, at Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard and Mill Creek Parkway
Why: The City of Fountains Foundation is celebrating 50 years of service. Plus, the foundation has a new partnership with the Royals’ Bring Out The Blue initiative.

Favorite fountains

We asked: “What are your favorite fountains in Kansas City?”

You answered:

“The beautiful fountain at Ward Parkway & Meyer Boulevard is my favorite. I walk and drive by it every day and am reminded that the neighborhood pitched together to have the fountain repaired and upgraded several years ago. It’s a wonderful area to live in!” — Jan F.

NE Vivion Rd. and N. Oak Tfwy.— Reader, Dale R.

“My favorite has to be the Laura Conyers Smith Fountain at Loose Park. Not only is the fountain stunning, but its surroundings this time of year make it even better.” — City Editor Bella

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