The number of drinking fountains being donated to the Winamac Park Board is now up to three. Last month, the park board agreed to accept the donation of a decorative drinking fountain from a local resident. It will replace one that currently stands between the swinging bridge and the restrooms in the Town Park.
But after researching prices, park board member Jon Chapman says two decorative drinking fountains could be purchased for just over $5,100. “Where the basketball courts are, there’s an existing fountain now, but it’s not right on the trail,” he told the rest of the park board last week. “It’s closer to the basketball courts. There are a couple benches right along the trail, and in between those benches would be a great area for an ADA-compliant fountain, so people right on the trail can drink from the fountain. Someone, also, that may have ADA issues could use the fountain, too.”
Chapman said the donor is willing to help pay for both drinking fountains, if the town would take care of plumbing and concrete work. “This individual said, ‘You know what? I’ll give you $5,000 if you buy both fountains,’ the one that’s multiple-level for along the trail, the single fountain to replace where the girls’ softball area is, with the stipulation that — there’s a wooden step there now — that if we poured a concrete pad and a concrete step so it’s permanent, so little kids could get a drink from it, too. That would be the only condition she asked.”
Meanwhile, Lions Club member Alvin Parish said the organization would be willing to cover part of the cost of a new drinking fountain for Rinehart Park, where the town’s skatepark is located. Park board members noted that they could cover the remainder of the cost out of the Park Gift Fund.
The park board voted unanimously to let all three donations move ahead.
