Promenade Bids Farewell to Pop Jet Fountain

A popular summertime play area for young children is closing for good at the Promenade Saucon Valley in Center Valley.

Officials with the lifestyle center said the Pop Jet Fountain in Town Square has been permanently closed due to the investment that would be needed to continue operating it. Located in front of Starbucks, the fountain features an underground system of pumps that send jets of water through openings in the plaza’s pavement.

“While it may appear to be a decorative fountain, interactive splash pads operate under many of the same public health and water quality standards as public aquatic facilities. They require continuous water filtration and disinfection systems, daily water quality testing by certified personnel, routine maintenance, state inspections and specialized mechanical infrastructure to operate safely,” Promenade management officials said in a statement posted on the center’s website. “After years of service, the fountain’s underground plumbing, pumps, filtration equipment and mechanical systems have reached the end of their useful life. Continuing to operate the fountain would require significant infrastructure replacement and investment.”

They added that the decision to “permanently retire the Interactive Pop Jet Fountain…was not made lightly.”

The Pop Jet Fountain is an amenity that opened not long after the Promenade itself first opened in October 2006.

Officials said that in the coming months, they will “begin planning for a reimagined Town Square that reflects the evolving needs of our community and continues to provide a welcoming place for guests to gather and connect.”

“While those plans are still being developed, our commitment remains the same: creating an exceptional experience for everyone who visits Promenade Saucon Valley,” they added.

Promenade Saucon Valley is home to dozens of businesses, including retail shops, restaurants, a supermarket and a movie theater. Newly-opened establishments include Wonder, Norman’s Hallmark and Sephora.