The ornamental fountain in Brackett Park has been shut down until further notice after witnesses reported an “unexpected increase in enthusiasm” from the central spout late Tuesday afternoon, according to Parks & Rec officials who spoke with careful diction and visibly forced smiles.
The disturbance began shortly before 3 p.m., when the fountain—which typically emits a modest, polite arc of water—suddenly surged to nearly triple its usual height. Several parkgoers described the burst as “celebratory,” though no one could identify what occasion the structure might have been marking. A fine mist drifted across the playground, coating swings, slides, and one unattended thermos with a thin layer of mineral-rich spray.
Chief Groundskeeper Olin Prentice assured the public the fountain’s behavior was “anomalous but not alarming,” a phrasing he repeated four times throughout the briefing. He also noted the maintenance crew detected a “soft rhythmic pulsing” in the fountain’s underground pump chamber, a detail he quickly followed with, “which is probably nothing, truly.”
Local vendor Rhea Polinski, whose hot pretzel stand overlooks the park’s south path, expressed gratitude that no one was injured but admitted she felt “slightly observed” during the height of the spray. “Like the fountain knew I was running a two-for-one deal,” she said, tightening her apron strings. Parks officials declined to comment on whether the structure has any sensory mechanisms.
City engineers plan to evaluate the fountain once the water settles. In the meantime, temporary signage has been installed encouraging residents to enjoy “the many dry features the park has to offer.”
The fountain’s final surge reportedly produced a sound one witness described as “a satisfied sigh,” though this detail was not included in the official report.
