The City of Kansas City, Mo., is celebrating the official start of the 2021 fountain season in the City of Fountains.

Fountain Day, is a Spring ritual and holiday unique to Kansas City, this year on May 4.

Kansas City Parks Department employees are spending the day turning on fountains across the city, including the one at The Concourse.

The department’s adopted budget for the new fiscal year contains funding to operate seven of the City’s 48 fountains this summer.

Recognizing the importance of fountains to the City’s identity, the Parks Board of Commissioners has requested American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding to restore lost revenue totaling over $6 million.

“We are encouraged to see that funding included in the City Manager’s recommendation to the City Council,” a memo from the Parks Department said. “The Board fully supports that recommendation and will use ARP funds to restore important community services like aquatics operations and fountains, upon Council approval.”

Fountains that will not be turned on this year include the Eighth Street Fountain in Garment District Place, Independence Plaza, Observation Park, Westside, Fitzsimons Memorial, 49/63 Neighborhood, Boylan at Plaza Tennis Center and Brush Creek. The department anticipates renovations to Independence Plaza Park soon, which include the removal of a damaged fountain.

Some fountains will be turned on later this week include the Carl J. DiCapo fountain on Cliff Drive in Kessler Park, Hillside and Children’s. Later this month, Swope Memorial and Northland fountains will be turned on.