An iconic tribute to the whimsy of water…

Today, the original fountains that grace The Fair Park Esplanade are quiet.

Come 2010, however, the fountains are expected to come back alive, helping to transform the esplanade into one of the park’s iconic attractions.

A campaign is underway to restore and augment the fountains within the esplanade’s pool so they will offer visitors exciting shows set to music. In all, 272 water jets will become a part of the pool, spraying some 100 feet into the air at times. The jets will be in a single line and three circles at the center and ends of the reflecting pool.

The vision calls for the water to “perform” 10 “shows” to music that will range from classical to country western. Each show will last from 15 to 30 minutes long.

More than 170 white lights will line the jets, pool and surrounding buildings, creating special effects to the musical numbers.

The Fair Park Esplanade, a 700-foot-long reflecting pool capped with three fountains, was built for the 1936 Texas Centennial. You’ll find the esplanade between Centennial Hall and the Automotive Building, just beyond the park’s main entrance off of Parry Avenue.