“Chicago’s famous water cannon is back, shooting an arch over the Chicago River,” WBBM Newsradio

August 20, 2024

WBBM Newsradio: Chicago's water cannon is making a triumphant return, with its recognizable arc spanning across the east end of the Chicago River. Dozens of spectators gathered on Friday to celebrate as the Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain returned to operation after river flooding in 2020 caused extensive damage to the fountain's controls.

A symbolic fountain along the Chicago Riverwalk re-opened. Photo credit Brandon Ison.

It wasn't until now that the fountain and its attached water cannon could reopen, partly due to supply chain issues during the pandemic along with the need to specially manufacture the unique parts needed to get the water flowing again.

Fountain Architect Dirk Lohan says his vision included a 100-year commemoration of the Chicago River flow reversal.

"I realized when I studied that and thought about it that at this place, literally at the mouth of the Chicago River, there is now a subtle man-made continental divide," Lohan said. The fountain made its debut in 1989.

That water cannon is also now back on the Chicago Riverwalk at McClurg Court, with 5 minute displays on the hour, most hours of each day.

Lohan said his vision for the large arch of water across and into the river is meant as a welcome to boaters, tourists, and anyone who sees it.

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