Lifestyle & Culture

Washington Square Fountain Doubles As Popular Wading Pool

If you’re walking into Washington Square Park on a hot day, chances are you’ll notice people cooling down in the fountain that is the centerpiece of that 9.75-acre public space.

So, is it a scenic fountain, a pool for splashing around or a little bit of both?

The Washington Square fountain has the distinction of being the only New York City park where frolicking in the water isn’t against the law. Visitors do take advantage of the free fun.

“If I had the proper clothes I would not hesitate to jump in,” said
Taron Pannel, 20, a club promoter from the Bronx. He was handing out flyers to passersby and looking on as his cousin, Ezekiel Morman, 14, waded in the water with his pants rolled up.

“Swimming in a pool is something basic,” Pannel said. “Swimming in this fountain is not only outside the box, but you are enjoying the outside
New York City atmosphere.”

There are other ways to beat the heat, including city-run pools. But they costs money.

“Unlike a pool, this is a free and simple way for the girls to have
fun,” said babysitter Amy Farley, 27, who watched while her charges, Sophia, 7, and Gianna, 6, played in the fountain. “It’s free and close by making it convenientfor me to give the girls a good time.”

Because she isn’t their mom, Farley, did not give the girls’ last name.

Because the fountain is a popular place to wade, New York City parks official are mindful of public health and hygiene issues. It kills algae and other slippery or potentially dangerous organisms by regularly pouring bromine in the water, according to ABCNews.com.

As part of a multi-year park renovation that began in 2007, the original fountain was reconstructed and placed on one level to make it more accessible to people, according to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Web site. It reopened in 2009.

Wading teen Ezekiel Morman said he believes opening up access was a good idea. “The pool is better because it has deeper water,” Ezekiel said. But they fountain is better for a quick cool-down.

“The water feels good,” said Janyah Tate, 15, from Brooklyn. She was in the fountain for the first time on a recent day, and spending time with her cousin, Qua-Asia Fawcett, 21, a New York University student. “It’s better than a pool,” said Fawcett, who goes to Washington Square Park three times a week. “And it’s a landmark …”

On Twitter @NierahJinwright.