Fun by the Sacramento River

Look! Out on the Sacramento River between Discovery Park and the I Street Bridge! It's a ship; it's a dragonfly; it's a public art display; it's a destination by foot, bike, skates, or car along the riverfront; it's a fun place for kids to play in a fountain; it's a giant crazy straw supplying Sacramento's drinking water; it's -- all of these things.

I first saw the rendering for this magnificent structure in an issue of Metropolis magazine several years ago and had to rub my eyes when I read that it was going to be built in Sacramento.

It was completed in 2004. This lovely modern glass, metal, and concrete structure was designed by the Lionakis Beaumont Design Group. It's a great place to visit for a number of reasons:

- A place to enjoy art: this begins as you ascend from the parking lot, continues on the walkway and is incorporated throughout the building.
- A place to be educated about the river: kiosks explain everything about the facility, the river, and water treatment.
- A place to play: a wonderful in-ground fountain spurts arcs of water on an irregular, intermittent basis. Great fun for kids on a hot day!
- An unusual vantage point to observe the river and our city.

Sometimes the water fountain isn't operating, but you can easily tell if it isn't by looking down from I-5. Take the Richards Boulevard exit and head towards the river. It's a great spontaneous thing to do with the kids. Keep a change of clothes, towels and sunscreen in the car and you're good to go anytime. Regular hours are 9 AM to 3 PM; longer hours Spring/Summer.