For the better part of 62 years, the incredible fountain has shot water high into the sky during sweltering Boise summers and provided sweet relief its cool mist.

Unfortunately, it was one way to cool down that we didn't get to enjoy during a summer than brought Boise a nearly record number of 100º+ degree days. The iconic fountain at Ann Morrison Park stayed dry in 2021 as the City of Boise prepared to demolish it. This sign informing park goers that the fountain would be replaced first appeared in late May.

Michelle Heart, Townsquare Media
Michelle Heart, Townsquare Media
loading...

Why Is the Old Ann Morrison Park Fountain Being Replaced?

While the sign came as a shock to many, removing and replacing the current fountain is something that both the City of Boise and Harry W. Morrison Foundation has been discussing since 2016. The aging fountain, while absolutely gorgeous, has proven to be a bit of a safety hazard at times. It wasn't designed to be climbed and played in, but children still try to scale the walls and swim in its pool. The wet concrete around the fountain's base also created a potentially painful fall hazard.

Get our free mobile app

That's why replacing the fountain with a more interactive fountain that was actually meant to be played in was included in the massive Ann Morrison Park Renewal Project. The new fountain will be more similar to a splash pad, but include elements like color changing LED lights and a programed water display.

Earlier this year, Boise Parks and Recreation explained that in addition to putting in a safer fountain the current fountain is actually in a state of disrepair. It has a number of problems that can't be fixed because it's so old and they can no longer find the right parts for it.

Why Hasn't the Ann Morrison Park Fountain Been Demolished Yet?

Since the leaves have changed color and temperatures have dropped, we decided to go for a run at Ann Morrison Park to see what the fountain's status was now that it's "Fall 2021." We found the fountain looking like this:

Michelle Heart, Townsquare Media Boise
Michelle Heart, Townsquare Media Boise
loading...

It's very much still there and the sign about its replacement is gone. According to the website for the Ann Morrison Park Renewal Project, the fountain project, while funded, has been delayed due to supply chain issues. They now hope that they'll be able to complete the new interactive fountain by Spring 2022.

Fundraising continues for the stairway that will connect Crescent Rim and Ann Morrison Park and the restoration of the clock tower. Both of these projects are also part of the renewal efforts, but aren't yet funded and have no targeted completion dates at this time.

What Did the Ann Morrison Park Fountain Used to Look Like?

When Ann Morrison Park was dedicated in 1959, the iconic fountain used to look very different from the way that it does now. Initially, the fountain was recessed in the center of a large reflecting pool. Unlike anything you'd find in Boise's other parks, it was common to find photos of the fountain on postcards like this one:

Image via eBay/primecardmike
Image via eBay/primecardmike
loading...

The back of one of the post cards reads: "The 76 different jets illuminated by many color combinations and accompanied by music over an electronic system is a favorite spot in this beautiful park every summer evening." The reflecting pool was filled in with concrete sometime in the mid-90s and raised to look like the fountain that's currently awaiting demolition.

Image via eBay/geoffsgeneralstore
Image via eBay/geoffsgeneralstore
loading...

If seeing these old pictures has you fascinated about the history of the fountain, check out this old article from Emily Montague. She discusses the another summer the fountain didn't run and what was the park staff was surprised to find causing the issues they were having with it.

8 Vintage Scenes of Boise From the 1900-1950s and What They Look Like Today

When it was incorporated in 1864, Boise was a mining town of just over 1600. Today, it's one of the fastest growing cities in the country. Check out these vintage photos to see how much things have changed since the early 1900s.

Vintage Postcards Show Off 10 Mesmerizing Places That Vanished From Boise

A Historic Look at 9 Nightclubs, Restaurants and Stores At Boise's 6th and Main

Have you ever spent time reading some of the nomination forms for the historic buildings in Downtown Boise? The one submitted in for "Old Boise" included a lot of your favorite party spots and restaurants near 6th and Main. Do you know what these buildings used to be? Scroll through and check it out!

More From Idaho’s Talk Station