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Scioto Mile Fountain

Hours and Directions

Scioto Mile Fountain
233 S Civic Center Drive

Winter Hours:
The fountain is currently closed until November 22. Stay tuned for information about holiday activities at the fountain.

Parking:

Photo by Randall L. Scheiber

About the Scioto Mile Fountain

Since opening in 2011, the Scioto Mile Fountain has been a downtown riverfront icon. The Scioto Mile Fountain serves as a key part of summer in our community, provided the iconic image of Downtown and has been well loved by people of all ages. We truly believe that Downtown Columbus is everybody’s neighborhood, and The Scioto Mile Fountain is a key part of delivering on that promise. That’s why the enhanced Scioto Mile Fountain provides an incredible, free experience that furthers the livability, connectivity, and inclusivity of Downtown Columbus. Managed by Downtown Columbus, Inc., the fountain is a Columbus Recreation and Parks facility. 

The updated design offers a variety of new and enhanced features, including: 

  • Three stainless steel halo structures with 300 fog nozzles  
  • Cutting-edge speaker system with surround sound.  
  • Super shooter that can shoot jets of water up to 100 feet in the air.  
  • Sprite area that contains 344 fountain sprites that are lit by self-contain LED lights. 
  • Increased seating and shaded areas and space for food trucks and carts, offering reprieve and refreshment to Downtown visitors; and 
  • Sculptural light elements with vibrant, constantly changing colors that will feature dynamic light shows in the cold-weather season, making the Scioto Mile Fountain a year-round destination. 
Weather and Safety Updates

In the event of severe weather, the Fountain will close and patrons will be asked to evacuate the park and seek shelter. The Fountain will immediately close if there is lightning within 4 miles. To reopen, there must be no lighting within 4 miles for 30 minutes.  

The Fountain takes a short break for the last ten minutes of every hour, returning at the top of the hour, to encourage patrons to use the restroom and stay hydrated.  

Fecal or vomiting incidents require the Fountain to be closed for up to four hours in order to properly remediate, limiting the ability for others to enjoy the Fountain. Please stay home if you are feeling unwell. Children who are not potty trained are required to wear a swim diaper in the fountain and all patrons are encouraged to stay hydrated and take frequent restroom breaks.   

Patrons are not allowed in the fountain during the daily light show from 7-10 pm. Light show will not run if it’s raining.  

For updates on fountain closures visit www.downtowncolumbus.buckeyedev.com/sciotomile or follow @downtowncolumbus on Instagram.  

Rules

For a safe fountain experience that everyone can enjoy, we ask park visitors to follow a few rules.  

  • Do not use the Fountain if you are ill or have diarrhea.  
  • Fountain water is not intended for drinking. It is recirculated.   
  • All children who are not potty trained are required to wear a swim diaper. Regular diapers are not permitted to be worn in the fountain.  
  • Take regular restroom breaks.  
  • Change diapers only in a restroom.  
  • Wash hands after using the restroom or changing diapers.  
  • No amplified sound is allowed without a permit.  
  • No unauthorized vehicles allowed in the park. 
  • Please ensure all hands and feet are kept out of the center fountain structure. 

 

The following are permitted in the park but NOT allowed in the fountain area:  

  • Running  
  • Food or beverages  
  • Pets  
  • Balls and toys 

 

These items and actions are not allowed in Bicentennial Park or the Fountain area:  

  • Scooter skateboards, bikes and skates  
  • Open fires, grills, shade canopies, pop up tents, or camping 
  • Soliciting and panhandling  
  • Smoking, vaping or use of tobacco products  

 

For your safety, please comply with all staff directives Security is available 24/7. For questions or concerns call 614-227-3788.  

Tips for a great Fountain experience: 

  • Communicate with children in your care about what to do in the event that you are separated while on site. Set-up a designated meeting spot, like the stairs, or instruct them to find an Allied Security guard in a yellow polo, who will be able to assist.  
  • For patrons with sensory sensitivities, please note that the super shooter jet is loud, and music is played as part of the fountain program.  

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Downtown Columbus D

Downtown Columbus Inc. is a private, non-profit development corporation with a mission to lead city-changing projects in the heart of Ohio’s capital city. Downtown Columbus Inc. was created in 2002 to implement the Downtown Strategic Plan.

 

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