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A Perfect Flow

Oakbrook Center fountain keeps its place year-round

BY CHUCK FIELDMAN PHOTO COURTESY OF OAKBROOK CENTER

There are many things people often tire of seeing after many years. But the fountain at Oakbrook center, located just outside of Crate and Barrel and adjacent to the mall’s village green area, certainly isn’t one of those. It always seems to be a popular spot for shoppers to stop during their shopping visits at the mall.

“The fountain serves as a gather place for the community,” said Tim Geiges, senior general manager of Oakbrook Center. “It provides a relaxing environment and contributes to our overall park-like atmosphere.” Don Richardson of Rockford agrees with that sentiment. Richardson said he usually visits Oakbrook Center twice a year to shop. And the fountain is one of his favorite places. “There’s just something about it that is very peaceful and relaxing,” he said. “It’s always there, and I always come and look and usually stay for 5 to 10 minutes to look at it and just take it all in. And I like knowing that it will be here when I come back the next time, too.”

Oakbrook Center opened to shoppers in 1962 and always has had a fountain, Geiges said. But there was an upgrade in 2014 to what is called a vortex fountain, he said. It’s called a vortex fountain because of the way water swirls inside.

Geiges said 4.9 million gallons of water are recycled through the vortex fountain each day. And all of that water is heated, which allows the fountain to operate 365 days a year and provide a synchronized water display. “We change the lighting color during our holiday season to compliment our holiday décor throughout the center,” he said. “Our team does an outstanding job of maintaining the fountain, since it is a centerpiece of Oakbrook Center.”

The jets inside the fountain that spray the water into the air, up to about 50 feet, are controlled by computer and regulated for height based on readings from a wind sensor, Geiges said. He said coins thrown into the fountain by visitors are collected once or twice a year and given to charities. “We’re looking for ways to clean the coins before donating,” Geiges said. He said 89,549 feet – or nearly 17 miles – of rebar were needed to construct the vortex fountain.

“That’s enough rebar to stretch all the way from Oakbrook Center to the United Center,” he said.

Oak Brook Village President Gopal Lalmalani said having the fountain at Oakbrook Center makes the shopping experience there truly unique. “At the heart of the mall is the most visually appealing vortex-inspired fountain and water jets that are truly one of a kind,” he said. “Along with the exquisite landscape, the fountain that is operational year-round, including during the frigid cold weather, makes the mall the place to be for our visitors and residents.”

Cheryl Geyer of Aurora said she has been shopping at Oakbrook center since she was a child and now enjoys bringing her own two children, ages 12 and 8, there.

“They always want to go and see the fountain; it’s their favorite part of going to the mall,” she said. “If they get to spend a little time at the fountain and maybe get a snack or treat, they’re quite happy.” ■

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