Budget cuts hit iconic Uncle Wilber

It could be a long, dry summer for Uncle Wilber.

The popular fountain in Acacia Park won't be doing the water dance due to the dried-up city budget.

But people can still get their feet wet.

"There will be the interactive parts but not the entertainment part," said Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services director Paul Butcher. "We will activate the water jets that come out of the ground and the waterfall effect for as long as the pumping system behaves."

Seems Wilber is a high-maintenance dude with complex pumping and electrical innards.

"Wilber is a complicated piece of machinery and a one-of-its-kind in the country. It takes anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000 a year for startup," Butcher said. "That's generally what we spend each summer to make sure we get a good summer out of it. We don't have that amount to put into it."

The jets will be turned on around Memorial Day.

But get wet at your own risk.

"We won't have the pool attendants, and again it's because of funding," Butcher said.

The fountain, which, when fully functional, raises to reveal a tuba-playing Uncle Wilber, was donated by the Smokebrush Foundation in 2000.

WILBER FACTS

• The fountain, when fully functional, raises to reveal a tuba-playing Uncle Wilber.
• Was donated by the Smokebrush Foundation in 2000.
• Costs from $15,000 to $25,000 a year to start it up.