Centennial Plaza Fountain

To correct ongoing operational and maintenance issues with the 18-year-old interactive water feature in front of the Rabobank Arena, the City of Bakersfield retained RRM Design Group to design a brand new fountain in its place. RRM initially provided several alternative conceptual designs, and then prepared construction documents–in collaboration with subconsultant PACE–for the new downtown focal point. The dramatic new 41-foot diameter fountain features 19 jets with submerged LED lights, 24 weirs for water circulation, and a perimeter trough to provide a physical buffer between passers-by and the ‘splash zone.’ The pool water depth is shallow to discourage unwanted activity, such as bathing, and the earthen tones are intended to minimize maintenance demands due to hard water staining.