The Fountains of Kansas City
Bernard Powell Memorial Fountain
The Bernard Powell Memorial Fountain grew from the determination of a community to remember one of its own. After Powell’s death in 1979, the Social Action Committee of 20 spent years raising approximately $170,000 for a memorial in his honor. The fountain and plaza were dedicated in 1988, followed by the installation of Powell’s life-size bronze sculpture in 1991.
The memorial stands in Spring Valley Park across from Powell’s childhood home, with his bronze likeness facing toward the place where he grew up. Plaques throughout the plaza tell his story and recognize those who helped create the memorial, while a time capsule buried behind the fountain is scheduled to be opened in 2041.
Help Care for the Memorial
Today, community partners are working together to maintain and restore the Bernard Powell Memorial Fountain and replace plaques surrounding the plaza. Your contribution can help preserve the memorial and keep Powell’s story visible for future generations.
Fountains by Location
Kansas City Metro Area
Kansas City’s unique and varied water sculptures and statuary do more than give our neighborhoods and public spaces vitality and a special sense of place. Each fountain commemorates and celebrates the visions, deeds, and generosity of generations of Kansas Citians who helped make so many of our collective wishes come true.
Kansas City Metro Area
River Market, Downtown KC to Liberty Memorial
Start your fountain tour where Kansas City was first established, down in the historic River Market. Once the oldest incorporated district, the River Market is now a vigorous and exciting neighborhood with major attractions like the City Market, our area’s largest farmers’ market bringing “Farm to Table” produce and goods, the Arabia Steamboat Museum, where you’ll find your first fountain, and where the Kansas City Streetcar starts.
River Market to Liberty Memorial
Midtown Fountains
Many of Kansas City’s Midtown fountains are tributes in remembrance of those who worked tirelessly to better their community, those who vowed to protect their community, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Midtown Fountains
Country Club Plaza
Many of Kansas City’s most famous fountains and sculptures are found on the Country Club Plaza, one of the nation’s first suburban shopping districts and a veritable outdoor museum of Romantic Spanish architecture and European art.
Country Club Plaza
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art arose from the instincts and ambitions of two private individuals who shared the dream of providing a public art museum for Kansas City and the surrounding region.
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Paseo to Northeast
The Paseo to Northeast
Northland
Northland
South Plaza, Westwood, Brookside to Mission Hills
South Plaza, Westwood, Brookside to Misson Hills
Kansas City Zoo, SwopePark and East of 71 Hwy
Kansas City Zoo, Swope Park and East of 71 Highway
Fountains A to Z
American Legion Memorial Drinking Fountain
American War Mothers Memorial Fountain
City of Westwood Hills Fountain
Court of the Penguins Fountains
Delbert J. Haff Circle Fountain
Elmer F. Pierson Sculpture Garden Fountain
Firefighters Fountain and Memorial
Harold D. Rice Memorial Fountain
Harry Evans Minty Memorial Fountain
Helen Cuddy Rose Garden Fountain
Jack and Martha Steadman Fountain
Kauffman Stadium Water Spectacular
Laura Conyers Smith Rose Garden Fountain
Liberty Memorial Fountain North
Liberty Memorial Fountain South
Mary A. Fraser Memorial Fountain
Meyer Circle Seahorse Fountain
Mission Hills City Hall Fountain
Prairie Village Gateway Fountain
Shirley Bush Helzberg Garden of the Stars
Shoal Creek Golf Course Entry Fountain
Shoal Creek Parkway Garden Fountain
Terry Barnes Memorial Fountain
The Women’s Leadership Fountain
Thomas H. Swope Memorial Fountain
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fountain
Ward Parkway Mirror Pool Fountain
William T. and Charlotte Crosby Kemper Memorial Fountain
Connect with Us!
Fountain Partners
ZTrip
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