Morgantown Dominion Post
2 November 2005
By Evelyn Ryan
Imagine pausing while on a stroll along the Caperton Trail above the pavilion at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park to listen to the gentle patter of falling water on the river.
Look up, and to the left of the stage you see a fountain spouting some 40 feet above the river. The fountain itself is anchored out in the river.
This addition to the Morgantown riverview is the goal of Dr. Rumy Hilloowala, a WVU anatomy professor, who got the idea for a fountain while traveling through Canada and Europe, where he admired the large lighted water fountains.
But such a display will cost about $25,000, and Hilloowala is trying to raise the money so BOPARC can install a fountain.
BOPARC's Ralph LaRue, who's overseeing the Boating Infrastructure Grant marina construction, has added the fountain project to the marina. The marina, being built with federal funds, would extend to the right of the stage, toward the Westover Bridge.
He's hired DMJM Harris as the engineer for both projects because the firm, with offices on the riverfront, is doing the major marina project for Platinum Properties and already has all the necessary research.
BOPARC has agreed to handle the project if Hilloowala raises enough money to pay for the fountain and its installation.
Morgantown Public Works Director Terry Hough did some research and determined it would cost about $25,000.
That would cover the fountain, lights and wires, $10,000; engineer fees, $2,000; Army Corps of Engineers permits, $2,000; construction, $5,000; electricity, $1,000; and contingency, $5,000.
"Once I get the engineering done for the two projects, I will start the process of applying to the Corps of Engineers," he said. "I'm hoping we will be able to leave the fountain in the river year-round. It's a matter of engineering."
LaRue likes the idea of having the fountain playing in the river during the winter as well, and hopes to be able to convince the Corps that it doesn't have to be removed. The pump, he said, will be two feet below the surface of the river, and the river has never frozen that deeply.
Before any structure can go in the Monongahela River, it needs a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District, with approval from the state Department of Environmental Protection and Division of Natural Resources.
Hilloowala said Morgantown has committed $5,000 toward the project. He's applying to some foundations. And for those who might want to donate, he added, the money would be tax deductible.
Monongalia County Commissioner John Pyles, a supporter of the fountain, hasn't yet been able to convince fellow commissioners to add to the fund. He's hoping that a show of public financial support will prompt a county donation.
The Greater Morgantown Community Trust has set up a fund to manage contributions for the fountain project. The trust is a tax-exempt public charity created for residents' contributions to area projects.
Hilloowala would like to see the fountain in the river this coming spring, if the money is available.
"I'm excited about it," LaRue said. "It's an investment in a public space, it's like public art. It's there because it's pretty. And, for some reason, everybody feels better when they look at running water."
Morgantown has two fountains the public can enjoy while driving by.
One is WVU's multiple-spray fountain on Van Voorhis Road at the Elmer Prince Drive entrance to the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center.
Bluegrass Village modular-home park on Green Bag Road has a fountain in the pond along the highway, but it's not on all the time.
Residents who want to donate to the fountain fund can make checks payable to the Greater Morgantown Community Trust Fountain Fund, P.O. Box 409, Morgantown, WV 26507.
P roposed names for the fountain can be mailed to Paula Martinelli, GMCT director of management affairs, at the same address.