March 31, 2007
Section: Surprise Republic
Edition: Final Chaser
Page: 12
Column:SHOPPING

SOUNDS OF FOUNTAIN BRING CALM TO LIFE'S FRANTIC PACE
ANGELA RABAGO-MUSSI, Special for The Republic

Think "city hall" and the first thing that comes to mind is usually unpleasant business like paying a bill or filling out complicated permit forms. It's almost impossible to picture a city hall as tranquil. But one exception is the huge, multilevel fountain in front of Peoria City Hall.

When my kids were younger we visited the Peoria Main Library every week, and afterward we'd often walk over to the fountain to watch the water falling. Sitting there in the sun, the sound of flowing water would drown out nearly everything -- even two loud little boys eager to use their "outside voices" after so much shushing in the library.Since we moved to Glendale two years ago, we haven't been back to that relaxing fountain, but the memory of it came back to me recently when I visited Living Water Fountains in Surprise. Dozens of running fountains in the outdoor showroom buffer the noisy traffic along Dysart Road out front.Just walking amid the splashing water brings on a feeling of peace. It's easy to see how owner Ron Aukerman has been so successful after 25 years in the water-fountain business -- everyone would like to bring a piece of that tranquility home."People love to listen to the sound of water," Aukerman said, adding that it's a natural, inborn attraction, much like sitting around a campfire.Aukerman, who lives in Peoria, moved his store to Surprise from north Phoenix about nine years ago. He says that while some homeowners choose to put a water fountain in front of their home as a focal point, they usually place them in the backyard where they can be enjoyed more.One of the most impressive fountains is a floor fountain carved to resemble an Old Spanish mission with three streams of water flowing down to a huge basin ($1,550).Shapes including classic pedestal styles with bowls, large heavy pond-style fountains that sit against a wall and smaller fountains that hang on a wall.

The shop also carries ceramic and metal outdoor wall art to help create that relaxing environment at home.

Living Water Fountains

Where: 16225 N. Dysart Road, Surprise.

Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday. Closed Sunday and Wednesday.

Phone: (623) 583-1242.

Arizona native Angela Rabago-Mussi is a freelance writer who lives in Glendale. She loves to shop and can be reached by e-mail at amussi@cox.net.
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