Extreme makeover planned for Wheaton fountain

The iconic cascading fountain in the heart of Wheaton gets its fair share of attention.

Families walking downtown for an event stop and toss in a few coins, along with a wish or two. Folks enjoying a latte sit on its edge, savoring the mist.

Look around the fountain, though, and only five tables exist for passers-by to stop, relax and enjoy the area around Main and Front streets. Members of the Wheaton Sesquicentennial Committee want to change that.

Their plans include seating for 112 people, three single-basin fountains, park benches, planters, a curving brick path and an overarching railroad theme appropriate for the park's location next to the tracks. They'll also include updated mechanical systems for the fountains that require less frequent, and costly, repairs.

And they're proposing to pay for it all by getting donations and fundraising. The current design would cost an estimated $537,000, much of it coming from the sale of commemorative bricks placed along the path.

Committee members wanted to make a contribution to the city that would be long-lasting, and they explored several possible sites. They chose the walkway because it's such an integral part of the downtown, said Anthony Solis, who's helping spearhead the plan.

"They're going to leave this wonderful legacy for the city," Wheaton Mayor Michael Gresk said.

A large three-tiered fountain now dominates the intersection north of the train tracks that includes a paved area with umbrella tables.

New designs feature two smaller fountains near the eastern corner separated by a seating area, and a third fountain further west next to the old train station. A crescent-shaped path extends from one end to the other and is liberally peppered with planter and benches.

The committee hopes to raise enough money to begin construction in mid-2009.