Fountains Yonge-Dundas Square

a jogger cools off in urban beach forms main central part of dundas square (multiple exposure picture).

the fountains comprise dynamic art installation , water sculpture in 600 water jets programmed vary, dynamically, on time. fountains operate 24 hours day. other aquatic play area in front of ontario science centre (the centrepiece of teluscape), dundas square toronto s 24-hour waterplay area, open day , night except during special events, maintenance, , other exceptions. fountains run around mid-april end of october, making 1 of 2 aquatic play areas in toronto opens in season , closes late in season.

to reduce costs, middle channel (i.e., middle 10 nozzles of each fountain) can animated, outer 2 channels can still globally controlled. outer 2 channels used set background (pedestal) level while middle channel animates, typically eight-second intervals. directionality imposed middle channel s sequencer encourages bathers run west rather east. moreover, sequencer makes bathing experience optimal joggers run west @ 20 km/h.

architects brown , storey, fountain creator dan euser, firm initiated bidding, former councillor kyle rae, , management of dundas square have confirmed waterplay 1 of intended uses of space. fountains intended appeal children , adults, , there evidence intention has been realized.

at southeast , southwest corners of yonge-dundas square drinking water fountains. water fountain on southwest corner (nearest yonge street) known large, cool stream of water flows down fountain drains in ground. stream produced other fountain warmer , flows less copiously. on other hand, fountain nearest yonge street near protrusion in ground has become popular seat.

because many people drink ground spray nozzles (some people fill water bottles ground sprays), , since waterplay 1 of intended uses, water tested daily, between 9 a.m. , 10 a.m., toronto health department. water treated bromine, many bathers prefer chlorine. there 3 separate water treatment facilities, 1 each group of ten westmost nozzles in each grille (200 nozzles total), middle row of ten in each grille, , third of eastmost nozzles. water runs grilles travels west, under raised floor of dundas square slabs, treatment facility under west end of waterplay area.