Above / Located at 400 S. Eagle Street, the fountain in front of the Naperville Municipal Center is one of five outdoor fountains in downtown Naperville. (PN File Photo)
More than ever in recent years, the trend for basin liners throughout the world has been to opt for black, getting away from aqua blue, white or concrete gray. One of the reasons is because once the fountains are filled with water the color pretty much disappears. Another reason is for public safety since most fountains are not intended for wading. By the middle of October, the attractive basins in four of the five fountains located in downtown Naperville that provide soothing sounds and aesthetic beauty will be black, resembling the one in front of the Naperville Municipal Center.
Locally, crews at the Naperville Park District who manage care and maintenance for the fountains along the Riverwalk have discovered the aqua blue basins appeared too inviting, too much like a swimming pool, attracting youngsters to play in the fountains. Kids sometimes waded in the Dandelion Fountain, breaking the nozzles. This spring, before the fountain in Civic Plaza located along Jackson Avenue at Webster Street was turned on in time for Mother’s Day, the basin had been painted black. And folks began wondering, “Why the change?” Now you know.
After the explanation was provided to inquiring minds via social media, folks also were made aware that the basins in all three fountains along the Riverwalk soon would be black. At the end of August, when the humidity and temperature were right, the Horse Trough Fountain at the entrance to the Riverwalk at Main Street and Chicago Avenue also received a black coat of paint.
To add an historical note, the Horse Trough Fountain, now the centerpiece at White Plaza just off Main Street, was once a horse trough located at a downtown intersection, Chicago Avenue at Washington Street, during Naperville’s early years.
These days, catch the morning sun just right to see rainbows glisten as the water sprays.
Water Street District fountain faces Riverwalk
When the Water Street District with shopping, dining and a hotel facility was dedicated in 2017, the Imburgia Fountain on the Foyo Plaza began flowing from its different tiers toward the Riverwalk. Considering the design of Imburgia Fountain, it’s not likely its concrete basin will be painted black.
Fredenhagen Park Upgrades
During the Riverwalk Commission Planning, Development and Construction (PDC) meeting on Sept. 2, 2025, a report included the progress of maintenance work in Fredenhagen Park where the Exchange Club Memories Fountain has been dry for several summers.
This past year the attractive fountain where the popular Cock Robin Restaurant used to stand has been undergoing repairs.
According to the “Fredenhagen Park Fountain Repairs” report, “The contractor has installed the conduit for the potential future lighting system. The next step will be the application of the new waterproof liner. The project is expected to be completed by late September/early October with activation of the fountain to follow.”
Fredenhagen Park Miscellaneous Repairs
In addition, a purchase order related to the painting and cleaning of various wooden and stone components within Fredenhagen Park has been issued. This work is expected to commence within the next few weeks, the report said.
When all the updates are complete, Fredenhagen Park with the Exchange Club Memories Fountain and the nearby Jaycees Gazebo again will be scenic locations along the Riverwalk for photos…lots and lots of photos!
Since 2003, in addition to serving as a place to pause on a park bench while reflecting in the heart of downtown Naperville, the popular gateway toward North Central College has been a backdrop for photos to celebrate engagements, weddings, homecomings, graduations, birthdays and other memorable occasions. Cheers! —PN
