Fountain of Life Remains Closed in Cathedral City

CATHEDRAL CITY — One of the most popular attractions when triple-digit temperatures sizzle in this community is the Gregory S. Pettis Fountain of Life where thousands of children have found respite from the heat in the cool water of the 32 separate fountain features.

That won’t be the case this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The Gregory S. Pettis Fountain of Life fell victim to the coronavirus on March 19 when Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a stay-at-home order and closed all “non-essential” businesses and services. It remains closed until further notice, Chris Parman, communications manager for the city said.

There is no way for children to properly social distance while playing at the Fountain of Life, Parman said. Even if  there were, there is no money in the budget to hire someone. It would also be impractical for children to wear masks while playing at the water attraction.

The closure is saving the city about $7,000 per month, Parman said.

The Fountain of Life was named in memory of the late Mayor Gregory S. Pettis who served on the City Council from Dec. 12, 1994 until his death on Jan. 15, 2019.

He died about a month after he was sworn in as mayor.

Pettis played a key role in fostering a relationship with Cathedral City’s sister city, Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico, and bringing the granite used to construct the Fountain of Life from the state of Jalisco.

A plaque dedicating it as the Gregory S. Pettis Fountain of Life is on the walkway wall going from City Hall to the fountain at Town Square Park.