COLUMBUS, Ohio — After undergoing a redesign, the Scioto Mile Fountain is ready to open back up to the community.
The fountain officially reopens on Friday at noon after a ribbon cutting with Council President Shannon G. Hardin and Columbus Recreation and Parks Director Bernita A. Reese.
The enhancements will make the fountain a year-round spectacle and includes improved functionality, new lighting, water features and increased seating and shade areas.
Fountain Fest, an event with live music, food trucks, games and more, will immediately follow up the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The new and improved Scioto Mile Fountain has enhancements to the halo fog and super shooters, with jets that can shoot water 100 feet in the air and a system that will engage and interact with visitors. The space also has a sprite area with 344 fountain sprites that are lit by contained LED lights.
New sculptural light elements feature constantly changing colors that display dynamic light shows in the cold-weather seasons.
Construction on the fountain began in May 2023.
"The Scioto Mile Fountain is a collaborative space where families can come together to have fun and cool off in one of our premier parks," said Reese. "The enhancements and restoration of the fountain will ensure it brings joy to residents all year long for many years to come."
After the opening, the Scioto Mile Fountain’s free interactive water features will remain open to the public through Labor Day, from 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. daily. Beginning Sept. 3, visitors can enjoy noninteractive water and light shows.