Rotary Fountain
The fountain's magnificant sculptures were designed by Harold Balazs.
The fountain plaza covers nearly a half acre extending from the curbline of Spokane Falls Boulevard at Howard Street to the forebay of the Spokane River, between the carrousel and the east end of the meadow by City Hall.
- When the Riverfront Park was renovated following Expo' 74, an interactive children's fountain was conceptualized for the grand entrance to the park. Funding was limited, however, so a temporary flower bed was built at the entrance. In December 2004, a full 30 years later, that temporary flower bed was relocated to make room for the fountain and plaza that now mark the entrance to Riverfront Park.
- Riverfront Park was created from what was previously a neglected eyesore of railroad tracks and warehouses. Railroad tracks prohibited, or at least greatly discouraged, public access to the beautiful Spokane River and Spokane Falls.
- Partial funding for the entrance and plaza were approved by voters in 1999. Between 2002 and 2005, the remaining funds for the fountain were raised by Rotary Club 21 with generous support from the people and businesses of the area.
- Groundbreaking was held in December 2004 and the fountain was dedicated on September 1, 2005.
- The fountain is the first significant feature added to Riverfront Park since the relocation of Spokane's historic Carrousel to this same site in 1974.
Major Donors
Rotary Club 21 and the Spokane Parks and Recreation Department recognized major donors in the following ways.
Column Sponors
The fountain's five columns recognize the lead donors for their gifts ranging from $30,000 to $100,000 or more.
- Jan & King Cole / Scott & Lisa Taylor Family
- Harriet Cheney Cowles Foundation, Inc.
- Potlatch Corporation
- Thomas M. Patrick, CPA
- Walker Construction / CDA Metals Inc. / Spokane Industries
Basalt Rock Sponsors
The following donors who made gifts of $15,000 or more will be recognized on one of the basalt rock boulders that house major water jets.
- BON-Macy's
- Spokane Daybreak Rotary
- Washington Trust Bank
- Hoopfest
Major In-Kind Donors and all donors of $5,000 or more are listed on a special naming column near the fountain.
These donors include the following:
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