Fountain Square: The place to be in Cinci!
Published: Aug 31, 2009
Rarely has a relatively large metropolis taken a relatively obscure downtown area and within a handful of years turned it into a bustling, vibrant center for business and social interaction year round. Cincinnati's Fountain Square is one of those places.
Although Fountain Square has been the symbolic center of the Queen City since 1871, it's not been since the beginning of the 21st century that the renovations made and attention paid to this city center have made it such a diverse and rapidly growing focus for business and entertainment virtually every day of the year. While many buildings have been completely renovated, so has the famed Tyler Davidson Fountain, which sits at the center of the complex.
Among the many other facets of the rejuvenated Fountain Square:
•"four senses" planter boxes — planters that visitors can listen, touch, look, and smell;
• free Wi-Fi throughout the square;
• a renovated Fountain Square parking garage;
• a compelling new granite tiling throughout the square that resembles woven fabric;
• a seasonal ice skating rink that easily compares to the famous Rockefeller Center rink in New York City;
• an enhanced lighting and sound scheme, including a large video board; and
• two new entertainment stages.
In addition to the physical additions, uniformed and trained community "ambassadors" roam the square and adjacent blocks to provide visitors with useful information and to help local police dissuade potential criminal acts.
A new feature east of the Tyler Davidson Fountain allows kids and adults to play in sheets of water. Children enjoy playing among the popping water jets that spurt from the ground. And the water is fresh and drinkable.
Check the calendar on the Fountain Square site. Far more often than not, there's at least one major planned activity every day of a typical month. And take time to dine at one of the local restaurants, such as Via Vite, Rock Bottom Brewery or Bistro JeanRo. And for out of town visitors, the Cincinnatian Hotel is one of the best and closest lodging outfits to give you a taste of Cinci hospitality.
If parking in the new garage, take advantage of the local self-service kiosks that allow you to both pay for Cincinnati sports tickets as well as for local parking. You can avoid the hassle of waiting in line while trying to exit the garage.
- by Jim Brown , Cincinnati Reporter for HelloMetro
(Click to leave a message)
