Northland Fountain

That fountain, you know the one that is turned blue for the Royals home opener, the one by North Oak and Vivion, it has a name: Northland Fountain.  Sometimes it is referred to as "The Spirit of Cooperation." This is because both corporate, public, and private monies were donated for the creation of this fountain in 1983. Farmland contributed $30, 000 while a school child contributed three cents.

Because it is one of a few fountains that run year round, during the winter months The Spirit of Cooperation forms a beautiful ice sculpture. At the base the fountain is 80' feet in diameter.  The center geyser can shoot water 35' feet into the air.

So after spending some time at the Clay County Veterans Memorial, I continued my trek to the fountain.  I have always wanted to walk up to it and just stare at the ice.  (Yes, simple things do capture my mind.) This spring or summer, I want to go back and explore around the Anita B. Gorman Park when green grass has replaced the snow.  The hues of blue and green in the transparent ice were breath taking.

Ideas for Children:

• Remind children that unless otherwise posted, one does put any part of his/her body in the fountain.
• This is a great time to talk about angles, area, circumference, and volume.
• Walk around the fountain. How many feet around do you think it is? (80')  Was that more or less than you expected?
• What is the diameter? What is the area? Using the height of the center geyser, what would the volume of an imaginary upside down cone be?
• Count the geysers. Estimate what angle at which they shoot out at?
• Ask questions: Would this ice sculpture stay if they turned off the water? How many gallons of water do you think it takes for the fountain to run?
• How might the fountains geysers be picturing the fountain's nickname, "The Spirit of Cooperation"?  How could you apply this to your life?
• Take time to draw the fountain.
• If you have a chemistry kit, take a sample and test the water.
• During good weather, take a picnic lunch and enjoy.

Learn more about the Northland Fountain.