Morgantown Dominion Post
13 November 2008
Morgantown BOPARC workers spent a wet Wednesday afternoon removing the water fountain from Hazel Ruby McQuain Park for winter storage.
The fountain was disconnected from its spot near the bank of the Monongahela River and was towed about 500 yards using a rowboat and kayak.
Dave Glover, Ralph Larue and Chris Pitt, of BOPARC, row toward the Riverfront Park boat ramp while removing the spray fountain from the Monongahela River on Wednesday. Bob Gay/The Dominion Post photo
After arriving at the boat ramp, the crew used a power winch on one of their trucks — along with some ropes — to pull the fountain onto a trailer.
Chad Ord (left, front) tosses a rope to the crew. Bob Gay/The Dominion Post photo
BOPARC assistant director Ralph Larue, who led the operation, said the fountain weighs about 600 pounds. The fountain will be stored at BOPARC’s storage area at Valley Crossing for the winter. Since the pipes still hold water, the fountain is being stored indoors to keep it from freezing.
The fountain will return to the river in the spring.
The workers may have gotten wet Wednesday, but AccuWeather said we can all expect to get wet during the next three days. Rain overnight should taper off today with highs around 54 degrees. Expect cloudy skies Friday with showers and a high of 65. There is a chance of rain Saturday and a high of 50.