Cylinder to be installed
by fall semester
By Kurt Esposito
Summer
Editor
The Class of 1939 Water Sculpture could be back
on in time for the Fall Semester, providing relief from heat that has
been worsened by the fountains being off this summer.
The administration accepted a recommendation Monday
to install a protective cylinder around the water jets located in the
center of the sculpture.
"We would like to have it up by the start of the
fall," said Wayne Kjonaas, vice president for physical facilities.
He said the University still has to obtain materials
for the 10 and a half-foot stainless steel cylinder and assistance in
fabricating the device.
"If we can’t get it in place by the fall we'd
certainly like to get it up by the first home game," said Kjonaas.
Once the cylinder is installed people will still
be able to interact with the water sculpture — located in the Purdue
Mall in front of Hovde Hall of Administration — but will be kept
from the water jets, which are to blame for the injuries associated
with the sculpture.
Last summer a girl broke her arm playing in the
fountain and others injuries have been reported.
To solve the safety issue, the administration originally
planned to install fences around the sculpture and the Loeb Fountain
— located in Founders Park. But because of numerous student complaints
against the idea the University instead decided to turn off the fountains
until an advisory committee could determine the best solution.
Members of the committee recommended the cylinder.
Ken Burns, vice president and treasurer, said the
cylinder was approved because it solved the safety issue surrounding
the fountain while still maintaining its aesthetic quality.
The cylinder will be covered in a mirrored finish
that will reflect the surrounding mall.
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