First Fountain north of the Missouri River
The first fountain to be built north of the Missouri River was the result of an enormous effort from the community and the private sector.
The fountain was dedicated in 1983, however the land for it was purchased by the city in the form of 8 acres of parkland in 1980. The land was used to create the North Gate Park. The Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary had donated part of the land. A condition of the donation was that an outdoor fountain be built there. A spot high on a hill near North Oak Trafficway and Vivion Road was identified as a potential fountain site and plans to construct the fountain began to be proposed.
The funds to create a fountain were not available from the city, so a grassroots community effort began. School-children, church groups and local businesses took part in the effort to raise the $250,000 needed. The combined community effort involved in raising the money has lead to the fountain being called the “Spirit of Cooperation.” The donations varied wildly, from school-children’s pennies to tens of thousands of dollars from area businesses.
In particular, there were two Northland residents credited with spearheading the effort that resulted in the fountain being built. These were Charles Garney, an area developer, and Anita Gorman, a civic activist. Later, the park itself would be renamed the Anita Gorman Park as a tribute to her efforts to develop and improve the area.
At some point in the fountain planning, it was determined that a year-round fountain would be a unique addition to Kansas City. With so many fountains already in existence, it has become a challenge in more modern times to construct a water fountain that is original. The hope of the Northland community was to make a fountain that stood out, even among so many. The Hydrel Company in California had created a year-round fountain in Germany, and were brought into the project. They were able to create a fountain that would be able to run throughout the year, even in Kansas City’s cold winters.
The water fountain is made up of a large reflecting pool 80 feet in diameter. Multiple jets make up the water feature of this fountain. The central water jet shoots water approximately 30 feet into the air, where it disperses in a fine mist. A ring of jets surround the central jet and shoot water outwards. Other jets along the exterior shoot water inwards.
The year-round aspect of this outdoor fountain makes it particularly amazing to view in the winter. When temperatures drop below freezing, the fountain’s water sprays create organic ice sculptures that grow and change. The Northland community’s efforts to create a unique fountain paid off in that the Northland Fountain is one of the most popular and noted in Kansas City.