by Heather Graf
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - During the warm weather months, the fountains at Bicentennial Mall were once packed with kids, trying to keep cool - but that hasn't happened since floodwaters filled the park in May of 2010.
That's because the fountains found themselves under four feet of water during the May floods.
The equipment that keeps the fountains running from underground was badly damaged, and was only one small part of nearly $770,000 in flood-related damages expenses incurred at Bicentennial Mall.
While some of the repairs are now complete, such as the park office, on Thursday, News Channel 5 learned the fountains won't be back up and running by the start of the summer.
A spokesperson for Tennessee State Parks says the repairs are expected to be complete sometime later this year, and possibly the end of summer.
Park-goers say they understand, but they hate it for the kids.
"Just to see the look on their faces, because it is summer, and what do you want to do in the summer? Get wet. So it's pretty heartbreaking," said Sharika Dismukes.
All of the damage done at Bicenntial Mall was covered by insurance, and the state park system will eventually be reimbursed for all repairs.
