Centennial Fountain's Opening Day

Centennial Fountain opening day celebration

Located on the north bank of the Chicago River at McClurg Court, the fountain was originally constructed in 1989 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the MWRD’s establishment.

The MWRD will raise the Pride flag and host a noon program at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building. The flag will also be raised at all seven water reclamation plants.

The fountain is named after Nicholas J. Melas, a former MWRD commissioner elected in 1962 and who remained with the MWRD for 30 years, serving as president for 18 years.

Guests took home free oak tree saplings, milkweed and native wildflower seeds to support stormwater management and the lifecycle of the monarch butterfly and other pollinators.