Water rush

It has been four years since last we saw one of the signature sights of our city -- the fountain at Point State Park. The wait is over --- tonight at 5 pm, the ribbon will be cut and the water will flow and soar to a height of 150 feet!

What is it that draws us to water?

We vacation at the ocean and spend hours walking in the surf, sitting on beach chairs reading as the waves roll in the rhythm we try and match with our breathing.

We trace the river’s run. We wade in creeks. We lull away the hours at lakes.

I confess I am one who needs to be near water -- I like to walk along the river’s edge; a favorite vacation spot is the ocean; I have spent many summer days swimming in the Buffalo Creek -- please, let us just pretend the water flowed from pure underground source....

Yet, with all this water log, there is something about the rush of a waterfall or the majestic height of a fountain that always draws me in. Maybe it's my prophet Amos moment of needed recall (a free dessert for the one who can explain that reference).

I am thrilled that finally the fountain at the Point will once again be turned on. I have grown weary of standing near the Fred Rogers stature and looking across the Allegheny River and seeing the teasing, yet, empty base of the fountain. Let the water flow!

The re-opening of the fountain coincides with the start of the annual Three Rivers Arts Festival. Speaking of water, natives of the area know that rain always accompanies the festival. Even if you can’t get to the grand re-opening of the fountain, make it a point in the next days to drive past, walk across (the walkways that is....if you walk across the water....whoa!), or splash in the fountain.

Where are the waterways and water rushes you visit?

sj;