Sheila, I have in fact done the exact same thing (told kids to not do that -- I haven't MYSELF put sand in the water fountains; I'm a jerk but not in that particular way).
In general the park was trashed this morning. I couldn't spend any time cleaning it up the way I might normally, but it was pretty bad. One of the swings is also thrown over the horizontal pole, rendering it useless. It was a frustrating morning at East Rock Park for some of us. But I get the feeling a lot people thought it was awesome, yesterday.

Ah. It's such an insult to such a wonderful city asset. I ran to the top of ER Park this morning and saw the same sight - trash everywhere. Must've been a fun party. :(

Hi, Friends.
The fountain was actually paid with funds donated to the Friends of East Rock Park and installed by the city. We will check on it this week.
The 8th season of FERP's Y@W program will begin on Tuesday. FERP has again hired a supervisor (thanks to the generosity of donors) who will be supervising 5 youths working 25 hours per week each for the next 5 weeks. Thankfully, this program provides incredible levels of stewardship, including abundant trash pickup, at this time of year when the park gets its most use.
Please support the work of FERP. www.friendsofeastrockpark.org
David Shimchick
Leader of FERP

David, I ran into Justin Elicker near the fountain a couple weeks ago and he actually mentioned to me that the fountain had been a FERP project of yours; I was impressed! It just bums me out that it gets mistreated.
I'm grateful for the work FERP does. I've spent a lot of time picking up trash at the park as an independent agent, I know it's sucky work. Oddly satisfying if you're in the right mood, but still...

I go out with my trusty FERP gripper and pail with frequency because it really bugs me when i walk my dogs and see the litter. Like many others I refuse to have my neighborhood look like the intersection of Dixwell and Bassett. I may not be able to alter the behavior of the individual who dumps coffee cups, takeout, nip bottles, and used diapers curbside, but i sure as hell dont have to look at it. I just put it where it belongs.

Rebecca Bombero, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer assigned this issue to Pardee Greenhouse Horticulturalist

Closing as I think season is over and am not aware of current problem.