The Cullen Family Plaza Fountain unofficially reopened last week after over a year and a half of closure for repairs.
The University drained the fountain in the winter of 2014. For the most part, it’s stayed dry since.
The fountain was refilled for special events like the Republican presidential debate in February, but many students never caught a glimpse of the campus landmark during those brief periods of time.
Construction on the fenced-up fountain began after the spring 2016 commencement and it was filled in time for the first week of classes. A lighting ceremony was planned to celebrate the reopening, but it was postponed due to weather.
After years of walking past a construction zone, students can now see a filled fountain. The Cougar asked students what they think about it.
“I can see the water now — ’cause last year you couldn’t see through the water and it’s all clear now,” Computer science sophomore Martin Cabrera said. “Before it felt kinda like a restrained area, kind of like a prison or fortress. Now it’s more of an open environment.” | Dmitriy Borovykh/The Cougar
“I think it looks really pretty,” Psychology freshman Taya Mirabal said. “It’s a nice addition – kinda tempting to swim in it, though.” | Dmitriy Borovykh/The Cougar
“I think it’s important to have places to be outside, that you can just kind of relax in,” Environmental science senior Sydnee Landry said. “There are a lot of great places we have inside on campus. Sometimes you just want to be in nature, and I think it’s the best place to do that.” | Dmitriy Borovykh/The Cougar
“I like it. I think it would be cool if they had the fountains where they shoot water every now and then. And like how they do in Las Vegas, know what I’m talking about? Do the pattern to the music, it would be cool,” Michael Lemmon, a mechanical engineering freshman, said. | Dmitriy Borovykh/The Cougar
“I came on a tour in January, and there were fences all around, a concrete hole… it just looked sad, I guess,” Jacqueline Koch, an education freshman, said. “I saw when they were testing out the fountains, and I was in awe. I thought it was so pretty.” | Dmitriy Borovykh/The Cougar
“I think it’s going to be one of UH’s great highlights for new students,” Marketing senior Rose Cervantes said. “One of the great places where new students can sit down and have lunch. It’s a good place for a date too.” | Dmitriy Borovykh/The Cougar
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