The controversy that has developed around the proposed lagoon and beach area at Fountain Park brings back memories of other “improvements” that have been proposed for the park facility over the years.
A consultant to McCulloch Properties Inc., the original master developer of the community, Henry Alper, actually did get his idea built. It was a set of large speakers that were located in the southeast corner of the park.
They played an original score of music that was written by Alper’s son, who had written musical scores for the motion picture industry.
The music was performed by a full orchestra. As the fountain rose from its base the music built to a full crescendo. I thought it was a pretty good addition.
Well, the music was a complete flop. Residents either didn’t like the frequency of it starting all over again every hour or the sound level. One gentleman called to register a complaint about hearing the music up on Palisades Boulevard. Now, this was early in Fountain Hills’ history and there were only a few houses in that area. It turns out the gentleman didn’t like classical music.
Mysteriously, the day the music died in Fountain Hills, the giant towers were found to be a pile of logs. The night before, someone had come and cut them down with a chainsaw. Someone joked whether the vandals had used a McCulloch chainsaw.
Another project that proved controversial was proposed by the local Rotary Club. It was unveiled at a Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting in 1987.
At that time, the park was often used for various concerts, weddings and other functions.
The band pavilion was designed by Phoenix architect Charles Schiffner. He was on hand at the meeting to answer questions.
He envisioned the pavilion as featuring a permanent foundation with storage areas for equipment and a portable sound system, large trusses or towers with suspension cables to support an overhang.
The permanent overhang frame would feature retractable fabric canopies that could be sectioned off.
Opposition quickly developed against the plan.
Peg Tibbetts, who had been the person that booked activities in the park for the previous 10 years and would later serve on the Town Council, was concerned about the proposed location of the facility, toward the park’s center. “People really appreciate the Park’s openness, its free-form style,” she said.
Other residents expressed concerns about citizen input, maintenance costs, possible vandalism, long-term plans, insurance liability costs and other questions about operating such a facility.
Estimated cost to build the pavilion was $175,000. Support for the facility never developed.
Another Rotary proposal that was successfully built and has proven quite popular is the Centennial Children’s Splash Pad in the southwest corner of Fountain Park.
The disc golf course, that was installed by the developer as part of the community’s 10th anniversary celebration, has also proven successful. It has been recognized as one of the premier courses in the nation. It has been the site of several national tournaments.
Fountain Park has been the source of controversy and plenty of good memories. It’s our town’s special place.
