Season opens for river recreation as MWRD’s Melas Centennial Fountain makes its return

WHO: Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) commissioners, staff and Chicago aldermen

WHAT: The MWRD will turn on the Melas Centennial Fountain for the season.

WHERE: Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain, 400 N. McClurg Court, Chicago, Ill.

WHEN: Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 2 p.m.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) is welcoming the seasonal return of the iconic Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain with a special kickoff event on Thursday, May 15 at 2 p.m. Chicago's 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly and community partners invite the public to gather along the Chicago Riverwalk as the MWRD activates the beloved fountain and celebrates the start of river recreation season.

Located on the north bank of the Chicago River at McClurg Court, the fountain was constructed in 1989 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the MWRD. The fountain is named after Nicholas J. Melas, a former MWRD commissioner. Melas was elected commissioner in 1962 and remained with the MWRD for an impressive 30 years, serving as president for 18 years.

The fountain was designed by Chicago architect Dirk Lohan, the grandson and collaborator of Mies van der Rohe. Lohan's vision followed the symmetry of the continent's water flow, trickling from individual watersheds and streams, leading to larger bodies of water and eventually flowing and combining in the ocean.