hot day, H-F Park District officials are reminding
the public not to wade in Irwin fountain, which is
not designed as a swimming feature.
(Photo by Eric Crump/HF Chronicle)
The fountain on the northwest corner of Irwin Park may look inviting on a hot summer day, but residents should resist the tempation, according to Homewood-Flossmoor Park District officials.
Tuesday to repair damage
apparently caused by people
wading. (Photo by Eric
Crump/HF Chronicle)
The fountain was damaged by waders and had to be shut down Tuesday for repairs, according to a post on the park district Facebook page.
“Apparently some people have recently been entering the fountain and the exposed pumps and electrical work have been damaged,” district officials said in the post.
Park district spokesman Darren Jasieniecki said repairs were completed and the fountain was operating again Wednesday.
“To do the repairs the fountain has to be drained and that takes at least five to six hours,” Jasieniecki said.
The fountain is designed to be decorative and is not a swimming feature, he said. Distict officials worry that not only can the fountain be damaged, but waders are at risk of slipping and being hurt by pipes and lighting fixtures if they fall. Also, the water is not chemically cleaned because it is not intended to be used for swimming or wading.
“We appreciate all residents’ assistance in reminding people that entering the fountain is prohibited and could cause harm to those individuals as well as the expensive mechanical equipment,” officials said.
For those with children 10 and under who want to get wet to cool down, there’s the Splash Pad at Millennium Park, 18600 Harwood Ave.
The Splash Pad is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to noon, 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., weather permitting. For more information, visit http://hfparks.com/Parks/splash-pad.aspx.
The park district also offers Lions Pool 1041 Ridge Road in Homewood. For information about admission fees and features, visit http://hfparks.com/Facilities/lions-club-park.aspx.