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| - This fountain is, bar none, the crown jewel of Point State Park. I remember when it was being renovated, and the park hardly was worth visiting on non-special event days without it. I attended the ceremony two years ago when it was turned back on at the beginning of the Three Rivers Arts Festival, and it was awesome to experience the majesty of the water pouring forth--even though the wind comically blew it squarely onto the band, despite being under a shelter.
When I found out on Sat. that CM had never seen the fountain, despite having been to Point State Park, this necessitated a visit, esp. since we had just finished dinner at nearby Stone Pizzeria. At the time of our visit, it was around 7:30, and the sun had begun setting. I'd only been to see the fountain during broad daylight previously, so seeing it during sunset was a new experience for me. It was breathtakingly beautiful--the pinkness of the sky reflected through the water, contrasting with the growing darkness of the surroundings (see photo). If you haven't ever been during this time of day, I'd highly recommend it--esp. for a date, since it's very romantic.
When the fountain was renovated, it was modified so that it no longer draws water from the fourth underground river that people like to talk about. Instead, the water in the fountain is now city water, so that people can stick their feet in without fears about the cleanliness of the water. During our visit, we saw several people doing so, as well as some people wading in the outer ring, despite a sign saying that wading wasn't permitted. On hot days, the allure of the cool water is just too much to resist, and the spray is refreshing. The fountain is also lighted at night, making for a stunning visual impact. Thus, no matter what time of day or the weather, it's a great experience!
If you haven't ever been to see the fountain, you're missing out on one of PGH's best treasures. If this is the case, be sure to take some time to visit it and experience its majesty the next time you're downtown. Even if you have, I highly suggest renting a kayak from Kayak PGH near PNC Park to check it out from a new perspective--the river!
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