And every summer, there have been people playing in and around the entire area.
The photo above was taken earlier today as it was a common thing that was being done to that fountain. Children, hell even adults play in it. Even though there is a clear visible sign with capitalized letters, including using the colors red and black; people still jump in and play around.
What is the fountain's real purpose?
According to a June 1998 Minutes document from the City of Burlington, a fountain was being discussed in being placed somewhere in Burlington. It would be considered to help promote tourism, but was also considered an attraction. Council Member Wright considered it more of an addition to the Memorial Auditorium rather than an attraction.
However, according to the Grow Burlington website, the fountains that are located in front of the building is a favorite cooling off spot during the summer.
So the fountain's main purpose is to either draw tourism or be an addition to the auditorium. The separate fountains located on the ground in front of the building have a general purpose of keeping individuals cooled off during the summer.
However, even though the smaller ones that are lying flat on the ground and are used more for cooling tourists off during the summer, it doesn't mean that people can jump in or around the large white fountain nearby.
Why do people do this?
Having a few water parks in town, it would be understandable to go to places like Fun City and play in a larger pool full of slides, toys, etc. However, there is a cost to attending such places and they're usually not cheap.
Where is a public area full of water that is running every summer and doesn't cost any money to entertain one's self? The white fountain down by the river is the only place. Some individuals may be doing this because they want to play in the water where is clean, plentiful, and free.
That doesn't rule out other individuals who do it because it’s really hot outside. Today was one of those days where the temperature reached near the 90's.
Is there anyone enforcing the rules that were placed originally by the sign?
The most likely answer to this question is: NO. If it was enforced by any law enforcement, people who regularly or occasionally jump in and play would never come back. There wouldn't be anyone in it if it was enforced effectively.
It would probably not be enforced for two reasons: many officers in this town can't enforce anything effectively due to the cities lack of funding and the poor training the officers receive; and there isn't a barrier preventing people from jumping in it.
What would happen if someone were to get electrocuted or hurt from playing in the fountain?
If someone were to get hurt or killed as a result for playing in the water fountain, it would be easily viewed by anyone who is at the river.
Law Enforcement would most likely be involved with fixing the issue of the offenders, perhaps even the city.
If a lawsuit were to open up as a result from playing inside the fountain, the chances of winning the case would be zero to none. The big reason is the fact that the person(s) involved in swimming, jumping, etc. either ignored or couldn't read the sign that was put into the ground. Another reason would be that it was originally designed to be an attraction, or by what Council Member Wright considered it an "addition", not some mini play park that is left unsupervised 24/7.
I've seen many children jumping and waving their arms around the edge, even the inner part of the fountain. Clearly it is a safety hazard for anyone being in the fountain before someone slips and breaks their neck or gets electrocuted.
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