Revisiting Harmony Square - Tinley Park, IL

What Powers a Modern Splash Pad? Inside the Construction of the Harmony Square Fountain

Public spaces today are no longer just open areas—they’re designed destinations built to bring people together.

One of the most impactful additions to these spaces is the modern interactive fountain or splash pad. While they may look simple on the surface, these features are built on complex construction systems working just below ground.

A perfect example is the Harmony Square fountain in Tinley Park, Illinois—a vibrant community centerpiece constructed by Laughing Waters.

More Than a Splash Pad: What’s Really Underneath

To the public, Harmony Square looks like a fun, interactive water feature. But beneath the surface lies a fully integrated system of tanks, vaults, pumps, and infrastructure that make the entire experience possible.

Every spray, light show, and water sequence is powered by equipment installed below the plaza—designed to operate continuously, safely, and efficiently in a high-traffic public environment.

The Collector Tank: Where It All Begins



At the core of the fountain system is a large underground collector tank.

This is where all water is:

• Stored
• Filtered
• Treated
• Recirculated

Instead of wasting water, the system continuously cycles it through filtration and treatment processes, ensuring it remains safe for public interaction while supporting all-day operation.

This tank is one of the most critical components of the entire construction process—and it’s completely hidden from view.

The Fountain Vault: Powering the Entire System

Another key element is the underground fountain vault, which houses the equipment that keeps everything running.

Inside the vault are:

• High-efficiency pumps
• Filtration systems
• Automated chemical systems
• LED lighting drivers
• Pressure regulators
• Water level sensors

These components work together to control water movement, maintain water quality, and power the visual experience people see above ground.

Built for Performance, Safety, and Reliability

Constructing a public fountain like Harmony Square requires careful planning and precise installation.

Every element—from underground tanks to surface spray features—must be installed to handle:

• Heavy daily use
• Changing weather conditions
• Continuous operation
• Public safety requirements

The result is a system that runs smoothly in the background while delivering a seamless, enjoyable experience for visitors.

Full-System Construction by Laughing Waters

As a national water feature specialist, Laughing Waters handled the full construction of the Harmony Square fountain.

This included:

• Installing underground collector tanks and vault systems
• Setting pumps, filtration, and treatment equipment
• Installing spray nozzles and water effects
• Integrating LED lighting systems
• Coordinating all underground and surface components

In addition, the system was programmed and calibrated to ensure proper flow, spray timing, lighting sequences, and daily operation.

From Empty Space to Community Destination

Before Harmony Square was built, the site was an underutilized open field.

Today, it’s one of Tinley Park’s most active public spaces.

• Summer: Families and kids interact with water sprays
• Evenings: LED lighting transforms the plaza
• Events: Concerts, markets, and festivals draw crowds
• Winter: The space transitions into an ice rink

The fountain doesn’t just add visual appeal—it creates movement, energy, and a reason for people to gather.

Why Water Features Are Driving Modern Public Spaces

Across the country, municipalities, developers, and designers are incorporating interactive water features into their projects for one simple reason:

They work.

A well-built fountain transforms a space by adding:

• Activity and engagement
• Visual impact
• Sound and atmosphere
• Year-round usability

And when constructed correctly, these systems operate efficiently with minimal disruption to the public experience.

Planning a Public Fountain or Splash Pad?

Whether you’re developing a public plaza, park, or commercial property, a custom-built water feature can become the centerpiece of your project.

Laughing Waters partners with:

• Municipalities and park districts
• Developers and commercial property owners
• Landscape architects and designers
• General contractors

We specialize in:

• Splash pad construction
• Public fountain installation
• Architectural water features
• Long-term maintenance and service

Build Something People Remember

At Laughing Waters, we don’t just install water features—we build experiences.

From underground infrastructure to final activation, every project is designed to transform spaces into destinations where people gather, interact, and come back again and again.