Diana fountain flows again

The water once again flowed through the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain on Thursday, but visitors will be kept away for about a week.

Officials turned on the taps at the Hyde Park fountain, which was drained and fenced off last month, just weeks after it was opened in a ceremony attended by the Queen.

• PHOTO GALLERY: Diana's fountain

A small number of tourists watched from behind a fence. Royal Parks officials said the fence would remain in place and access to the fountain would continue to be controlled after the public is allowed to visit.

• FROM JUNE 3, 2004: Diana's fountain fenced while fixes made

The fountain's designer, American Kathryn Gustafson, intended the granite ring water course to be a user-friendly tribute to Diana, where children could play on hot summer days.

But three people, including a small child, were injured when they slipped while wading in the fountain.

Workers have roughened the stone surface to prevent slippage, and officials plan to monitor the water for a week before allowing visitors again on Aug. 20.

In the future, a limited number of visitors at a time will be allowed to visit, and even then, they'll be allowed to only dip their feet in at the edge.

Royal Parks staff will monitor the site, and signs will be posted to tell visitors the rules.