Princess Diana's fountain reopens all over again

The Princess Diana Memorial Fountain reopened Friday after four months, with additional features designed to make it safe for the public.

Officials said the latest incarnation of the controversial memorial project for the Prince of Wales' late first wife should put an end to the series of embarrassing glitches that led to two previous shut-downs and reopenings.

• FROM AUG. 12, 2004: Diana fountain flows again

A team of 14 new wardens will monitor the fountain and its visitors in shifts, replacing security guards.

The wardens are responsible for maintenance and cleaning.

In order to avoid injuries, visitors will no longer be allowed to wade in the water.

Warden Peter Scott said: "We have to make people aware of our regulations: There's no rollerblading, no dogs allowed in the area. We don't mind people having a picnic but there's no glass allowed."

"There's no ball games and definitely no paddling. But we will allow people to sit on the edge and put their feet in," Scott told the Associated Press.

About 30 people, mostly journalists, attended the low-key reopening in Hyde Park on Friday. There were no royals present, unlike at the grand opening in 2004, which was attended by Queen Elizabeth II and Diana's sons, the Princes William and Harry.

Visitors were originally allowed to paddle in the shallow fountain, but three people slipped on the slick granite and hurt themselves. Later, a drainage problem helped turn the grounds around the fountain to mush.

The officials did not give the cost of the shut-down and refit.