Thanks to water, The L. Alan Cruikshank River of Time Museum is flowing in a fresh direction.

“We’re breaking ground in a new philosophy as we move forward,” said museum director Luke V. Bate, who has been on the job for slightly more than a year.

The museum has completed a year-long renovation project, the first in its 12 year-existence.

“This first stage of renovation is to engage the community in ways that we haven’t been doing in a number of years,” Bate added.

At a rededication ceremony earlier this month, Mayor Linda Kavanagh read a town proclamation that the museum by “using the natural/social sciences of the region, we preserve and interpret the past to understand the present and promote future sustainability.”

The museum redesign ties together displays about the vital role of water in the area’s archaeology, anthropology and geology and development of the three communities in the Lower Verde River Valley -- Fountain Hills, Rio Verde and Fort McDowell.

As soon as visitors enter the museum foyer in the town building shared by the library, it’s clear that water is the thread sewing together the exhibits. A miniature Fountain greets them.

C.K. Valenti Designs, an exhibit fabrication company in Chandler, created the fountain that sprays a column of water when a button is pushed. The firm acquired original construction plans and then scaled down the dimensions. Photographs of construction and engineering plans for the Fountain encircle the room.

“It’s meant to be a teaser to go through the rest of the museum,” said Bate.

“We wanted to make sure there was something that ties us to the town itself and makes a statement that we’re part of this community in a concrete meaningful way.”

Having the miniature version of the Fountains expresses to visitors that they can learn about the landmark and it’s significant in the town, said Bate.

Town founders C.V. Wood Jr. and Robert P. McCulloch, Sr., president of McCulloch Oil, designed the planned community. The project was initiated in 1969. Individuals began buying the lots in February 1972.

Many were introduced to Fountain Hills in a “fly before you buy” sales program. Prospective buyers were flown to Phoenix in a McCulloch International Airlines Electra, then transported by bus to town, and escorted by salesmen in white Jeep Wagoneers to view property.

“The Fountain is kind of a unique symbol. It’s the namesake for the community…Initially the fountain was to be an oasis attraction in the desert to attract new residents.

“Then the Fountain changes and people began looking at it as not necessarily the smartest or most appropriate use of water. The way that the Fountain is managed now through recycled and reclamation of water comes 180 degrees. It’s gone from being an example of water waste to a symbol of water management again.”

At one time, the Fountain was the tallest in the world, originally shooting water upwards of 560 feet, said Bate. His most recent research indicates that the fountain now ranks fourth, having been replaced by one in Dubai.

Although the format of the museum has been altered, Bate said “we’re not eliminating anything.”

“If we have taken something out, it’s because we’re covering it in a different way,” he explained.

Some people are astonished to hear that he plans to change some exhibits once a year to keep the museum relevant.

“We’re just scratching the surface with what we started this year,” said Bate

His vision is to “maintain a viable community resource and encourage more of the communities to take ownership of it.”

Private donations, sponsors, corporate partners, such as SRP, EPCOR, Central Arizona Project; Arizona Historical Society, Fountain Hills Community Foundation and Verde Valley Questers support the museum.

Admission fees are $5 for adults; $4 for seniors, and $3 for students and children.

The museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Guided tours can be scheduled by calling 837-2612. The website also has been redesigned.

The museum leases its current 5,000-square space from the town for $1 annually.

Bate, the only paid employee, said the museum is “solely fueled by the power of volunteers.”

“It’s amazing what can be accomplished.”

“In the future, we would like to expand into larger space but that takes a lot of planning and raising funds,” said Bate.