Iconic Kansas City Fountain Taken Down After Vandals Cause Disruption
Kansas City’s Renowned Fountain Struck By Vandals
Two statues in one of Kansas City’s most iconic fountains, the William Volker Memorial Fountain, saw parts of their structure missing this week, evidently due to acts of vandalism. The once towering sculptures on Theis Park were left without an arm and a leg, sadly prompting the Kansas City Parks & Recreation team to dismount them.
A Historical Monument Brings Disappointment
Having stood east of the Plaza since 1993, the William Volker Memorial Fountain has been a landmark piece embraced by the city. But the damage caused by the vandals, removing the integrity of the statues, has cast a deep disappointment across the residents. The statues, crafted by the late world-renowned artist Carl Milles from Sweden, were initially built in Italy nearly 100 years ago.
The Value of the Vandalized Elements and Repair Costs
The act of defacing these statues doesn’t just bear a heavy aesthetic blow to the urban landscape, but also a potential substantial financial burden on taxpayers. The pieces vandalized are made substantially out of copper, a recyclable material that retains economic worth. This might explain why they were targeted.
Mark McHenry, President of the City of Fountains Foundation, however, is quick to point out that the damage caused outweighs any potential gain for the vandals. The dismantled elements, while valuable, don’t hold a candle to the cost that would be incurred in repairing the statues.
A Heavy Lift for Restoration
The cost of restoring the statues to their original state requires sourcing expertise affiliated with Carl Milles’ work. According to McHenry, this would require reaching out to studios outside Stockholm, Sweden where Milles’ work is kept. The work is not only costly but also labor-intensive, from removing the statues to replacing the missing parts.
In response, residents and enthusiasts of the park are keen on seeing the statues restored and are willingly contributing to ease the burden off taxpayers. A GoFundMe page has been set up on the City of Fountains Foundation website, inviting donations from the public.
Measures to Prevent Future Vandalism
As an added measure to prevent any future vandalistic occurrences, the City Parks and Rec Department is considering more lighting installations and surveillance cameras around the statues. In an immediate response, they are working with MRI Global to use their cameras to investigate the recent act of vandalism.
The city reminds residents that these efforts are done to preserve the community’s heritage and ensure the beauty of Kansas City is upheld.
Restoration Efforts and Community Support
While it’s regrettable to see historic monuments like the William Volker Memorial Fountain desecrated, the situation also brings to light the unwavering sense of community exhibited by Kansas City residents.
Through the GoFundMe page, individuals are invited to contribute what they can to the restoration efforts. Aiming to make a difference in their city, this effort exemplifies the spirit of togetherness and the city’s commitment to preserving its historical riches.
