Many of Kansas City’s signature fountains are badly in need of repair.

The city’s parks director, Mark McHenry, says about half of Kansas City’s 48 public fountains need repairs that go beyond routine maintenance.

A preliminary estimate for repairs on just five deteriorating fountains exceeds $1 million.

 

But the city has budgeted only $250,000 for fountain maintenance. To help fill the gap, a nonprofit group called City of Fountains Foundation is launching a fundraising effort to fix the structures. An exact money goal has not been determined.

Supporters say the fountains are important because they give the public places to relax. And they say Kansas City has a reputation as the City of Fountains, which brings national recognition to the city.