The concept of designing and building an interactive children’s water fountain in East Park was suggested to the Charlevoix Downtown Development Authority (DDA) in March 2007 by a concerned citizen who believed Downtown could offer more family-oriented activities. A thorough investigation of specific locations and designs followed and a feasibility study determined the plaza immediately adjacent to the new harbor master building in East Park to be the ideal location.

In September 2007, the Charlevoix City Council hosted a public hearing and, following several hours of citizen feedback, voted to amend the Charlevoix DDA Development Plan to allow for the design and construction of an interactive fountain in East Park. Council accepted the DDA’s recommendation to spend up to $200,000 in tax increment financing (TIF) monies on the fountain and further voted to appropriate up to $80,000 inmunicipal Marina Funds. Fundraising efforts are currently under way to make up the difference in appropriated municipal funds and the final project cost.

When completed, the Charlevoix Fountain of Youth will feature a safety-textured fountain pad measuring roughly 30 feet in diameter and will offer 23 programmable water nozzles, each with two multi-hued LED light fixtures. Features made possible by additional private donations include heated water, programmable lighting and music and a signature center nozzle capable of sending a stream of water as high as 30 feet.

Your generosity has helped make this community dream a reality -- the Charlevoix Fountain of Youth is nearly complete!  Click the PLAY button below to view a short video of the Charlevoix Fountain of Youth being tested on Tuesday, June 17.

Fundraising efforts have resulted in the participation of nearly 300 individual donors, but we still need your help!  To learn how to participate in this true community-wide youth activity and beautification effort, click HERE.