City officials plan for new fountain

Angelique Flores

FOUNTAIN VALLEY -- With the word “fountain” in its name, the city wants

to build one that can live up to its title.

“We want the new fountain to be reflective of the city and it’s history,”

Councilwoman Laurann Cook said.

The city plans to replace the fountain in front of City Hall with a new

one designed to reflect the current community and resemble an early

artesian well.

From the 1880s to the early 1900s, this area was filled with swamps and

an abundance of water. The name “Fountain Valley” originated from the

many artesian wells and the great water supply.

Still in the early stages of the plan, City Manager Ray Kromer and

council members have been visiting malls and hotels around the county and

taking pictures of fountains to gather ideas for a new design. Residents

have also sent the city pictures of their own suggestions.

“Anything will be better than the one that’s there,” Councilman Chuck

Conlosh said.

The Fountain Valley Women’s Club, with help from residents and local

organizations, raised $22,000 to pay for the tan, tiled fountain sitting

in front of City Hall, which is going on its 13th year.

But it wasn’t the city’s first. Water once cascaded down a large, modern,

concrete fountain that stood in front of the city’s Community Center

during the mid-1960s. During the last years of its life, the fountain was

used as a planter because of vandalism. It was removed about 10 years

ago.

As for the current fountain, Kromer said the city has to spend more money

than expected on repairs and maintenance, replacing pumps and fixing the

plumbing. Two years ago, the city allocated $12,000 to renovate the

fountain but instead decided the project would not be worth the money.

“It was built on a shoestring,” Kromer said. “It was a great idea, a

great effort, but has been a great maintenance.”

The new fountain will cost about $100,000, covered by a private donation.

The city’s next step is to get a designer and architect.

As far as input from the community, Kromer said, “the more the better.”

Residents who would like to offer suggestions for the new fountain can

send pictures to City Hall, 10200 Slater Ave.

When the council members and Kromer narrow down some of the designs, they

plan to put them on display either in the library or at City Hall to

allow for public comment. City officials hope to complete the plans

within a month.

“We want something we can live with for at least 30 years,” Kromer said.