The Concourse Fountain

Once the site of a shallow pool constructed in 1939, the Concourse Fountain was installed in 2001. Located in a level greenspace within Kessler Park known as The Concourse, it contains 15 ground-level jets that invite patrons to caper through the water as it sprays through metal grates. The Concourse Fountain is one of three city fountains that runs year-round.

Kessler Park was first established as North Terrace Park as one of the original planned parks in George Kessler’s 1893 proposal of the Kansas City Parks and Boulevards System. The land for the park, located along the river bluff, was acquired in 1895. It was described as “wild and rugged” but also “beautiful and picturesque,” fitting into Kessler’s plan perfectly as he designed around the natural landscape. In 1971, North Terrace Park was renamed Kessler Park in dedication to its founder and remains largely in its original state. 

As this community park was located in primarily rugged terrain, Kessler designed The Concourse as a two-block square, level green space. Construction first started in 1896 when one of the north bluff’s valleys was filled in with dirt excavated from below by horse-drawn plows, then belted into a wagon and dumped into the valley. In 1906, pedestrian walkways were constructed and the surrounding area was landscaped with trees and grass. The first water feature was installed in The Concourse in 1939. The North Terrace Park Concourse Pool was constructed as a shallow, rectangular pool surrounded by a low, stone wall, and was used to sail small boats and as a casting pool for fishing. In 1980, small sprayers were added and contained a spray ring along with several jets spraying inward and upward. 

The Concourse Fountain (or Concourse Park Fountain) as seen today was designed by Waters Edge Aquatic Designs and installed in 2001. The fountain was built inside of the existing pool basin, while the surrounding space was finished in concrete. It features 15 vertical jets that are adjustable in height and spray through metal grates which creates an interactive space, allowing patrons to run through the water. In addition, the original stone wall is still present. The Concourse Fountain was dedicated on July 26, 2002 and is one of three Kansas City fountains that run year-round.

Wolfenbarger, Deon K.. Historic Resources Survey of the 1893 Parks & Boulevard System, Missouri State Parks. Accessed August 3rd, 2022. https://mostateparks.com/sites/mostateparks/files/1893%20Parks-Blvd%20Report.pdf.

It's On! Fountain Dedication Friday, Kansas City Public Library. July 24th, 2002. Accessed August 3rd, 2022. https://kchistory.org/index/its-fountain-dedication-friday.

Millstein, Cydney E. and Novick, Paul. National Register of Historic Places Registration Form for The Kansas City Parks and Boulevards Historic District, Missouri State Parks. May 9th, 2014. Accessed August 3rd, 2022. https://mostateparks.com/sites/mostateparks/files/KC%20Parks%20and%20Boulevards%20HD.pdf.

The Concourse Fountain, Kansas City Parks and Recreation. Accessed August 3rd, 2022. https://kcparks.org/places/the-concourse-fountain-2/.

Concourse Park Fountain, Waters Edge Aquatic Design. Accessed August 3rd, 2022. https://wedesignpools.com/projects/concourse-park-fountain/.