December 2, 2008
Watchdog
Around Rash Field, nor any drop to drink
This water fountain and another one at Rash Field are out of order, but the city says they will be repaired before long. (Sun photo by Andre F. Chung / June 22, 2008)
The problem Two water fountains at the Inner Harbor are broken.
The backstory Watchdog is a fighter and a writer, not a runner. But during a walk one hot summer day, the mutt was literally panting along the promenade near Rash Field on the south side of the Inner Harbor, between the Maryland Science Center and the Rusty Scupper restaurant.
The path is a popular destination for joggers, tourists and city residents enjoying the view - all of whom could probably use a refreshing drink at some point to combat the scorching heat. And so Watchdog was pleased to find two water fountains situated near the benches.
But one fountain along the promenade lacked a handle. In fact, unfriendly passers-by had stuffed trash into the hole where a handle should have been. And although another nearby fountain - closer to the trapeze school - had a handle, that one wasn't working, either.
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More cynical readers might assume that the problem had something to do with beverage vendors on the west side of the harbor.
But Adrienne Barnes, spokeswoman for the city's Department of Transportation, said there was a simple reason for the lack of water.
Transportation maintains the infrastructure of the Inner Harbor, including the brick walkways and the bulkheads - nearly everything except the landscaping.
Both fountains were disabled because the water line to Rash Field was damaged, Barnes said. Since there are two other functioning water fountains in close proximity, "the decision to repair quickly was not made," she said.
Now that Watchdog reminded them of the problem, repairs should begin this week, she said.
Who can fix this Richard Hooper, chief of transportation maintenance, 410-396-1686. City residents can also call 311 to report problems.
The repair status of two Inner Harbor water fountains was misstated when this article was published in the print edition. The Sun regrets the error.
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