Carol Stream’s iconic 60,000 gallon fountain, which serves as a gateway to the community, is scheduled to re-open Memorial Day weekend after undergoing a series of renovations. The fountain, located at 960 North Gary Avenue, was built in 1997 and serves as a focal point of the Ross Ferraro Town Center. The surrounding Town Center was built in 2003, and its construction included the addition of vital community features such as several walking paths, a gazebo for performances, a Visitors’ Center, and an arch welcoming residents and visitors into the community. While Carol Stream does not have a centralized downtown area, the vision for the Town Center was for it to serve as a central gathering place for residents and visitors alike to celebrate the Village’s events.

The fountain utilizes a combination of one (1) 75 horsepower, two (2) 30 horsepower, and one (1) 50 horsepower pumps and motors to control the various water features. Due to leaks and mechanical issues, the fountain has not been operational since 2021. The Village determined that, considering the age of the fountain and its ongoing issues, the fountain required a series of renovations.

Last year, the Village of Carol Stream contracted with Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. (CBBEL) to provide engineering and bid services for the fountain repairs. The outcome was a two-phased approach.

Renovations include:

Sandblasting and resurfacing of the pool area;

Waterproofing;

Rebuilding and/or replacing mechanical pumps, motors, plumbing, electrical switchgear, valves inside the fountain vault; and

Replacing the old pool lighting system with a new, more efficient LED lighting system.

Two bid packages were sent out, one involving the sandblasting and resurfacing of the pool area, and the second involving the electric and mechanical equipment. The resurfacing took place in the summer of 2022 by Capital Industrial Services of Hammond, Indiana, in the amount of $289,500. Last fall, Fountain Technologies, of Wheeling, Illinois, was awarded a contract in the amount of $642,226.29 for the remaining work. Both companies came with a wealth of experience in these types of projects.

The Village is excited to welcome residents and visitors back to the Ross Ferraro Town Center this summer for another fun-filled event season and hopes everyone takes an opportunity to enjoy the fountain once again!