Downers Grove Park District Offers Reward Toward Fountain Soaping

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Downers Grove Park District officials are waiting for suspected vandals to clean up their act before a local fountain is turned back on after soap has been placed into the local landmark as a prank, officials announced on Wednesday.

The Washington Park Fountain will remain drained until further notice after the fountain has repeatedly been the target of vandals who have placed dish soap into the fountain, creating an over-abundance of suds, the park district announced in a social media post.

Officials said "soaping" is considered vandalism and requires treatment that runs in upwards of $1,000 to clean up every time it happens, the post said. In addition to the costs to clean the fountain, staff members' time is needed to devote hours to the clean-up effort.

The Downers Grove Park District is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the identification of individuals who have recently “soaped” the fountain.

To report this information, tipsters may email the Park District at Info@dgparks.org or call (630) 960-7253 or (630) 960-4652.