The Scioto Mile Fountain is set to reopen on Memorial Day, bringing back a splash of fun and relief from the summer heat for families.
This exciting reopening comes after a year-long, $15 million redesign, and the city has planned a series of family-friendly events to celebrate.
The Grand Reopening Details
Columbus Recreation and Parks announced the grand reopening, marking a significant comeback for this Bicentennial Park gem. The festivities kick off on Friday, May 24, at noon with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Join Council President Shannon G. Hardin and Columbus Recreation and Parks Director Bernita A. Reese as they officially reopen the fountain.
Following the ribbon-cutting, the celebration continues with Fountain Fest on Friday, May 24, from noon to 7 p.m., and Saturday, May 25, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Produced by Downtown Columbus, Inc., this event promises a day of fun for the whole family. Enjoy live music, savor delicious treats from food trucks, and cool off with free ice cream (while supplies last).
Kids and adults alike can indulge in temporary glitter tattoos, get their caricatures drawn, and participate in a collaborative street mural. Plus, yard games will be scattered around for some classic summer fun.
To top it all off, on Friday at 5:30 p.m., head over to Bicentennial Park for a summer concert featuring DJ Citizen Dorian S. and The Deeptones, presented by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department.
It’s going to be a fantastic evening of music and community spirit.
“The Scioto Mile Fountain invites families from across our city to spend a summer afternoon Downtown,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “This free amenity is accessible to all Columbus residents, and we’re excited for the fountain to reach its highest level of performance, functionality, and fun for all visitors!”
First opened in 2011, the Scioto Mile Fountain quickly became a Downtown focal point, attracting nearly a quarter of a million visitors annually. The recent upgrades, funded by a partnership between Columbus Recreation and Parks and the Scioto Mile Endowment, include enhanced stainless steel halo structures with fog nozzles and super shooters that can shoot water up to 100 feet into the air.
A new sprite area with 344 fountain sprites lit by self-contained LED lights adds a magical touch. Visitors will also appreciate the increased seating and shaded areas, as well as space for food trucks and carts, offering a refreshing break from the summer sun.
The fountain features sculptural light elements with vibrant, constantly changing colors, ensuring it remains a stunning attraction even in the cold-weather season.
After the Memorial Day weekend, the fountain will welcome visitors daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. until Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 2. Non-interactive water and light shows will continue from Sept. 3, 2024, making the Scioto Mile Fountain a year-round destination.
