Top water fountains to see in the Largo area

School is coming to a close. The temperature is consistently above 90 degrees. • Because nothing represents summer more than cold, splashing water, the Largo Times offers you a list of favorite water fountains in the area. It's designed to help you keep your cool, both inside and out.

, Largo Central Park: Open daily

If you've had a chance to ride Largo Central Railroad Club's miniature trains, you've seen Greg Brown's favorite spot in Largo. As park superintendent for the city, Brown knows all of Largo's nooks and crannies. But when it comes to water fountains, his first choice is in a very public location, Largo Central Park.

The park's most visible fountain, along with the clock tower, was removed from Largo Central Park about a year ago. However, Brown says the park still holds his top pick, just west of the playground in the pond equipped with a waterfall and a bubbling fountain.

"The train goes right over the spot, and it's very dramatic with lots of moving water,'' he said.

Brown also enjoys the water fountain bordering Largo Central Park's Military Court of Honor. "It is something to see, especially when it's lit up at night,'' he said.

, The aerator at Largo Central Nature Preserve: 150 Highland Ave. SE. Hours of operation: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m

This one also comes to us from Greg Brown. One mile east of Central Park sits Largo Central Nature Preserve's aerator. It was designed to push water through the air and to provide oxygen to the pond, according to Brown.

"But I always enjoy walking around and listening to it,'' he said. "It has quite a calming effect.''

, Missing Links Driving Range: 1201 E Bay Drive, Largo. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week

While moms and dads can practice their swing on the driving range, youngsters can knock a ball around the waterfall of Missing Links' miniature golf course.

Last Sunday, Josie and Brian King shared a hot fudge sundae in the shade while their daughter Bella, 10, played near the waterfall. "This is a great, easy place for our family to stop, '' said the Largo mom. "My kids have loved running up to the waterfall since before they could talk, and they still love it today. My teenage son is on the driving range, while Bella is right near us."

m The Tropical Walk water fountain at the Florida Botanical Gardens: 12520 Ulmerton Road. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

Part of the fun is getting to this one. You'll stroll a wooden nature walk over McKay's Creek and have a chance to hike 30 acres looking for wildlife including alligators, osprey and water birds. So before you leave home, make a picnic and have the kids put on their walking shoes.

That's what Maria Rizzo did Sunday in preparation for her time near the Tropical Walk water fountain, which is located east of the Wedding Gardens.

"Water fountains and gardens just go together,'' said Rizzo, a St. Petersburg resident who was in the Botanical Gardens with her 4-year-old son Will.

"I love to bring my son here. He eats his peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and runs around, and he lets me sit and read in peace.''

The Highland Aquatic Center: 400 Highland Ave. NE

Technically, this entry is not a water fountain. It's an aquatic center, which means it's for swimming. However, it's a no-brainer that the assortment of water sprinklers and sprayers found in Largo's mini-water park puts it on our list.

During the pre-summer season, the facility has been open only on weekends. But starting June 14, gates will be open seven days a week. For operating hours and admission prices, visit www.largopools.com.

The water fountain at Imperial Point (on the cover): 14950 Sovereign Drive, Largo. Hours of operation, 6 to 10 p.m. daily

When you check out this art deco fountain, which has glowed nightly at the end of 102nd Avenue for more than 35 years, don't be surprised if you see some soap suds in the water, says Barry Likeness.

"Putting soap in that fountain seems to be a rite of passage for kids this time of year," said Likeness, who has lived in the residential community since 1977.

"But I also have another funny story. Some high school kids dragged a sofa out there a few years ago, after the last episode of the TV show Friends,'' he said.

His wife, Rema, also remembered the incident. "The kids put the sofa in the fountain. They weren't there very long, but they made a video — sure would love to see that,'' she said.