Person on the street - What do you think about the fountain?

A couple of weeks ago, the fountain in Reunion Plaza was finally turned on, symbolizing the completeness of the West Street project. A project which the college has been planning for many years, West Street's rebirth came with a price tag which exceeded $0.8 million; about half of which was donated by the Class of 1956 on the occasion of their 40th reunion. Now that the project is almost done, Newspeak would like to hear what people think about one of the most recent construction projects on campus.

The Reunion Plaza fountain, a four to six foot spout of water emanating from a small granite block when in operation, was originally supposed to be completed in time for October's dedication, but has been delayed due to the inavailability of some parts which are needed to complete the job, according to President Edward Parrish. President Parrish also commented that "There is quite a bit of work that is yet to be done," mentioning that the night lamps which will eventually line the walkway were due to arrive about four weeks ago; about the same time frame in which the fountain parts were scheduled to arrive. Yet, Parrish said that "the setting is done", and all that remains for the fountain is some way to deflect it, so it is not just "a garden hose straight up in the air," as some have described it. Recently, Newspeak went to the streets on campus to see what some people had to say about the fountain in Reunion Plaza, and this is what we heard:

"Absolutely not alright; they should definitely do something with it." -Helder Machado. "I like it, but they should have put it where they were going to have it originally [indicating the Freeman Plaza area], then you could have something real." -Troy Thompson.

If you have something to say about the fountain on West Street, send email to newspeak@wpi.edu, or drop off a letter in the Newspeak mailbox in the Student Activities office.

[jokingly] "We have a fountain? From what I know, its a hose that sticks out of the ground...something there would be nice, though."

-Nathan Towne-Smith.

"A wonderful use of a garden hose."

-Zach Oser

"The fountain adds a nice touch"

-Mike Doherty

"It looks nice..better than nothing."

-Yohannes