This simple fountain consists of a collection of boulders set in pavement and a misting water spray in the centre. The various rocks provide seating at various heights and groupings. Many of the boulders were being used by passers-by for resting for a few moments; a few imitated starbucks with laptop users and coffees. Children jumped from rock to rock while parents worried. Users could sit in the sun or shade, and those who sat down-breeze of the fountain enjoyed a cooling mist. There is no puddle or pond to drown in, maintenance looked to be simple … a welcome bit of urban art that is useful for a whole variety of people in a whole bunch of ways. Sparrows liked it too.

It isn’t in Ottawa, of course. It is in Boston on a university campus.