Explore Kansas City, the City of Fountains
Firefighters Memorial & Fountain
This month, we spotlight the Firefighters Memorial & Fountain at the south end of Penn Valley Park—a powerful tribute born from the 1988 explosion that claimed six local firefighters.
Featuring two bronze figures surrounded by 48 cascading streams and an adjacent mourning sculpture by Tom Corbin, the memorial was refreshed in 2015 with a blue‑LED-lit aluminum wall honoring all fallen heroes.
As fireworks light up the sky on Independence Day, take a moment to remember those whose bravery protects our celebrations.
Click here to learn more about this historic fountain.
Our History
The City of Fountains Foundation (COFF) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1973 to promote and advocate for public fountains, sculptures and monuments in the Kansas City area. The Foundation assists in the development of public fountain and sculpture projects; and raises funds and holds endowments to help maintain, acquire, construct, relocate and conserve these landmarks for which Kansas City is famous.
Foundation News & Events
Spring Open Capture Art Show
Discover how local artists bring Kansas City’s fountains to life through expressive, original artwork. The Spring Open Capture online art show features 2D works inspired by the Henry Wollman Bloch Fountain, the Meyer Circle Seahorse Fountain, and Loose Park Lake…
Keep Our Fountains Flowing: Why Your Support Matters
A Legacy Born from Civic Vision Fountains define Kansas City. They reflect our civic pride, creative spirit, and shared sense of place. Across quiet neighborhood corners, busy boulevards, and scenic parks, these works of art highlight the city’s deep connection…
Fountain Day 2025
Mill Creek Comes to Life: Highlights from Fountain Day 2025📅 Wednesday, May 23rd, 2025 | 📍 Mill Creek Park There’s a timeless magic when Kansas City’s fountains begin to flow again. On Wednesday, April 23rd, we gathered at Mill Creek…
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The Spring Open Capture brought together an impressive range of artistic talent, each creator offering a fresh perspective on Kansas City’s landmark fountains. The Foundation’s board was genuinely moved by the quality and creativity of the submissions. It was an extremely difficult decision to choose just one winner for each fountain. You can now view the three winning pieces alongside the full exhibition in our online gallery. Every piece is available for purchase, and 25% of each sale supports the City of Fountains Foundation’s mission to preserve and celebrate our city’s public fountains.
Sculptures & Monuments
Ben Franklin
This Independence Day, take a moment to sit beside one of the nation’s founding fathers.
The Benjamin Franklin sculpture near 47th and Jefferson invites visitors to share a bench with the man who helped shape the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Holding the Bill of Rights in one hand, Franklin reminds us how civic wisdom and public art intersect—right here in Kansas City.
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Call-for-Art
Summer Open Capture – Deadline Extension
Register by Sunday, July 13 at 11:59 p.m.
Inspired by the enthusiasm we’ve seen, we’ve extended the registration for Summer Open Capture. Once registered, you may begin creating on July 1.
Create original artwork inspired by:
- Mill Creek Park Fountain
- Spirit of Freedom Fountain
- Children’s Fountain
View full details and compete for one of three $500 awards. All artwork will be featured in our online gallery.
Registration closes on Sunday, July 13 at 11:59 p.m.
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Fountain Partners
Agenda:USA
KC Bier Co.
Helen S. Boylan Foundation
Mason L. Dean Testamentary Foundation
Estelle S. and Robert A. Long Ellis Foundation
Alex Hamil
Roy Inman
Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation
The Kansas City Royals
Made in Kansas City
Rally House
Seen Merch
Irma Starr
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Contact Us
ADDRESS:
P.O. Box 8912
Kansas City, MO
64114
PHONE:
816-842-2299