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Dry Fountain Reimagined as Interactive Tribute to Salt Lake Valley's Water System
18 Oct
Summary
- Native American ceremony dedicated new water-themed art installation
- Old fountain replaced with dry feature highlighting water conservation
- New piece includes interactive elements like Japanese rock water fountain
In October 2025, Salt Lake City unveiled a new art installation at Liberty Park, replacing the old Seven Canyons Fountain with a thought-provoking representation of the local water system. The $850,000 project was led by the city's Department of Parks and Public Lands, with input from the community and Native American leaders.
The previous fountain, a gift from the O.C. Tanner Company in 1993, had been shut off in 2017 due to health and safety concerns. Rather than repairing the aging structure, the city decided to reimagine the space as an educational and interactive feature that highlights the region's water challenges.
The new installation, designed by artist Stephen Goldsmith and landscape architecture firm ArcSitio, aims to provide a "new lens" on sustainability, creativity, and water stewardship. It includes elements like a Japanese rock water fountain, bronze "people perches" with QR codes linking to bird calls, and a spiral representing the shrinking Great Salt Lake.
During the unveiling ceremony, Rios Pacheco, a member of the Northwestern Band of Shoshone, emphasized the importance of educating children about the true source of water. "Water isn't something that is just given to us," he said, underscoring the need for greater appreciation and conservation of this vital resource.
The project's director, Kim Shelley, noted that the new installation seeks to be a gathering place and teaching space, encouraging residents to think deeply about their connection to water and how it shapes their lives.
