Rising Sun Council Votes Down Tree Fountain Fix

Rising Sun's willow tree fountain was removed from the riverfront in February.

The willow tree fountain when it was flowing on the Rising Sun riverfront in 2014. File photo.

(Rising Sun, Ind.) – Rising Sun’s willow tree water fountain won’t return to its home anytime soon.

The brass fountain evokes a range of emotions. Some local believe it is a beautiful work of art. Others call is an eyesore. Some are indifferent toward its aesthetics.

After being a fixture of the city’s riverfront for 12 years, the fountain was removed in February so that issues with it could be assessed. No water had been flowing from the fountain since at least 2015, primarily due to lime buildup blocking the copper pipes within it.

On April 11, Rising Sun City Council voted 3-2 against spending up to $6,000 to repair the fountain, Mayor Brent Bascom says.

An individual bidding on the project suggested the fountain could be repaired by replacing the copper piping with tubing. Broken leaves on the outside of the fountain would have also been replaced.

The mayor says he would have liked to see the repairs made on the fountain, which has already cost about $90,000 over its lifetime to purchase, install, and maintain.

“While my position and the vote of the Common Council were ultimately different, I would like to thank our members of council for how they discussed an issue that many feel very passionate about,” Bascom said Thursday. “Their discussion and the ultimate decision was a great lesson in the democratic process that makes this country and our city so wonderful.”

Bascom said there may be further discussions about the future of the fountain soon. He believes it could be placed back on the riverfront, regardless of whether it has flowing water. He acknowledges there are strong opinions on both sides of the fountain debate.

For now, the fountain is being kept in three pieces at the Rising Sun street department’s garage, says Bascom.