Colorado Couple's Dream Becomes Reality in Unique Uncle Wilber Fountain

When philanthropists Bob and Kat Tudor decided to donate a fountain to the children of Colorado Springs, they knew just what they wanted: an animated fountain with ever-changing water patterns as a backdrop for whimsical sculptures. What they didn't expect was the discouraging reception they received when they approached several of the country's biggest fountain companies. Time and again, the Tudors were advised to alter or simplify their design ideas and give up the fountain concept they envisioned. Then they contacted Hydro Dramatics and got the answers they were looking for.

The fountain project that developed over the next 18 months has become one of the nation's most creative and unusual fountains. Uncle Wilber (namesake of the fountain designer's uncle) is an animated character. Perched on a stool, he plays a silly-Sousaphone. Water splashes everywhere. Music plays in the background, and fiber-optic lighting adds an after-dark dimension.

What really sets this fountain apart are the computer-choreographed nozzles located around the fountain base. Popping up intermittently, they spurt water in endlessly new patterns. The unpredictable nature of the waterspouts adds to the excitement, delighting and fascinating youngsters, as they frolic willy-nilly through the fountain.

To the Tudors, the fountain fulfilled their dream of a one-of-a-kind gift for the children of Colorado Springs. To Hydro Dramatics, it was an honor and a privilege to out-engineer the "nay-sayers" and bring Uncle Wilber to fruition.