Wishing well or fountain (Pittsburgh: mall, garden, plumbing)

[BrianTH]

My four-year-old has decided he really wants to go throw coins in a wishing well or fountain and make wishes. Anyone have suggestions about where to go? We're in the East End but willing to go wherever necessary.

[Mr. Humble]

Anything at the zoo?

[ctoocheck]

How about the Song to Nature fountain in Schenley Park (or some other fountain in one of the parks)? I don't know if others throw coins in it or if it is a designated wishing fountain, but the wish would still be valid, no? :-p

[Impala26]

I would have said the fountain at the Westinghouse Memorial in Schenley Park near CMU's campus. However, I believe there have been some plumbing damage like a year ago, so it's completely dried up. No word on how long it's going to be before the Parks Conservatory can afford to do the repairs. It's a shame really because I think that's one of the more sublime "grotto" areas of Pittsburgh.

I think there are some reflecting ponds along the outside of Phipps Conservatory, and you don't actually have to ENTER Phipps to see them. There may be a small fountain/garden in this same area near the Panther Hollow Bridge.

[chloride1]

Point Park Fountain!

[chloride1]

There is also a lovely fountain in a courtyard between the Gateway Center buildings.

There is a found at Station Square, though it is a dancing fountain, so perhaps pennies are not welcome.

The step fountain on the North Shore path between the stadiums is another option.

[raubre]

Originally Posted by Mr. Humble

Anything at the zoo?

No. The ones at the zoo also have fish and the coins are harmful to them.

[neurodistortion]

Too bad the Greengate Mall is no longer around, they used to have an awesome fountain that shot some 30 feet into the air. I used to throw coins into that thing all the time when I was younger. As for other ones, I don't really know... doesn't PPG Place have a fountain out on their plaza?

[BrianTH]

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone!

We ended up going to the Water Steps on the North Shore, which were not suitable for coin-tossing but otherwise were totally awesome (our little one got to stand in the water throwing tennis balls for some happy doggies). And completely randomly, in the pass-through of the building where Rivertowne is located (we parked on the street on the other side), there was a small fountain with some coins in it, so we got to do our wish-making too.

[slamont61]

How about the bird-bath in my yard? It doesn't grant wishes but I could use the change...