Bethesda Metro Center fountains activated for summer (Video + Photos)

The fountains on the plaza at the Bethesda Metro Center have been activated for the summer. They took some time off last year while WMATA replaced an escalator with a new staircase. Bethesda's water features remind us of the inspiration behind our town's name: the healing pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem.

Bethesda Metro Center fountains activated for 2020

The fountains were activated yesterday at the Bethesda Metro Center. This usually signifies that spring is officially underway, and that summer is just around the corner. However, the frigid evening temperatures and dark skies suggest that Old Man Winter just won't let go this year.

Veterans Park fountains activated in Bethesda (Video+Photos)

The fountains in Veterans Park have been turned on for the summer. They are located at the memorial in the park, which is at the corner of Norfolk and Woodmont Avenues in downtown Bethesda. The memorial recognizes soldiers from Bethesda and Chevy Chase who died in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf Wars.

Bethesda Metro Center fountains activated (Video+Photos)

The fountains on the plaza at the Bethesda Metro Center were activated for the summer season yesterday. I presume the Maryland and Montgomery County flags were at half-staff due to the death of Maryland House Speaker Michael Busch.

Fountains activated at Bethesda Metro Center (Video+photo)

A sure sign of summer approaching in Bethesda is the activation of the fountains at Bethesda Metro Center. The fountain at Veterans Park has been operating for several weeks already, as well.

Pokémon Go takes over downtown Bethesda (Photos)

A Pidgey is smarter than
some jaywalkers in Bethesda;
I hope he likes bacon-wrapped
dates at Jaleo

Pokémon Go fever has become an epidemic in downtown Bethesda. When I'm not witnessing someone attempting to catch Pokémon at downtown's most iconic landmarks, someone is asking me if I'm playing the game - even if I'm just checking my Twitter feed. Of course, Pokémon Go has just passed the land of $13,000 "verified" accounts known as Twitter in mobile user numbers.

Downtown Bethesda
in the world of
Pokémon Go

Not surprisingly, Bethesda has not been immune.

Fountains at Bethesda Row and at the Bethesda Metro Center aren't just relaxing stops for residents and visitors anymore. Now they are officially Pokestops in the augmented-reality game.

There's a Pokémon on Bethesda Lane! And the mural alongside Nando's? That is a gym, as are several other artworks downtown, including the plaza sculptures at the Gallery Bethesda apartments. Pikachu, Bethesda is choosing you.

The "graffiti mural"
on the side of Nando's
is a gym in the game

"Full Twist," the sculpture
on the plaza at Gallery Bethesda
at 4800 Auburn Avenue
is a gym in the game

The giant skateboard
at Bethesda Scooters
and Boards is a gym

Even Pokémon have
to cool off during
Metro Safe Track
at the Metro Center
fountain

VETERANS PARK FOUNTAINS ACTIVATED FOR SUMMER IN BETHESDA (PHOTO)

First, the fountains rose at Bethesda Metro Center. Now the water feature at the memorial at the Veterans Park memorial has been activated by Bethesda Urban Partnership. If you're new to Bethesda, you'll want to stop by to check it out. 

The memorial remembers Bethesda and Chevy Chase residents who were killed in action in American wars over the last century. Veterans Park is located at the intersection of Woodmont and Norfolk Avenues, across from Starbucks. The park is on the Bethesda Circulator route.

BETHESDA METRO CENTER FOUNTAINS ACTIVATED FOR SUMMER (PHOTOS)

One of the sure signs of spring in Bethesda - and of the rapidly approaching summer - is the activation of the fountains at Bethesda Metro Center. A refreshing diversion for beleaguered Metro riders surfacing out of the Bethesda Metro station, and its inoperable escalators.

BETHESDA METRO CENTER FOUNTAINS ACTIVATED (PHOTOS)

With the weather temporarily turning colder, many people may welcome a sign of spring and summer. Here's one:  the fountains were recently activated at the Bethesda Metro Center.