Image: Nathan Howe

A multifaceted interactive fountain and splash pool–and icicle maker!–will be installed in phase 2 of the Seger Park renovation, which is to begin this spring. Seger, at 11th and Lombard, is a heavily used, mostly asphalt playground, dog run, and rec center. Kansas State University architecture professor Nathan Howe designed the fountain and was chosen from among 17 entrants in an international design competition run by the Friends of Seger Park.

The $225,000 fountain, says Bella Vista designer Jason Lempieri, a Friends of Seger Park board member who pushed for the forward design, is meant to accommodate children of all ages.

Howe’s “Fluidscape” can be activated most of the year. In winter it produces icicles and its serpentine form, says Lempieri, “will make a great snowball hideout.”

“The design,” he adds, “is urbane and contemporary, while enabling a playful and creative atmosphere for water play.”

In summer, children can activate the fountain with rain dance “steppers” and play in the splash pool. They can also sail boats in a trough that runs along the spine of the wall.

The design was presented to the public last night during the park’s Halloween celebration. Thus begins a fundraising campaign that organizers hope will be complete by Spring 2013.