| Cost of Project: |
$565,000 ($200,000 in DDA monies / $80,000 in city funds / $285,000 in private and foundation contributions) |
| Completion Date: |
July 2008 |
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 local resident 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. Cou ncil 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 in municipal Marina Fund dollars. A wildly successful private fundraising effort including the participation of over 300 individual donors, made up the difference in committed municipal funds and the final project cost.
Upon its grand opening on July 23, 2008, the Charlevoix Fountain of Youth features a safety-textured fountain pad measuring roughly 30 feet in diameter and 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.
The Charlevoix Fountain of Youth can be found in Downtown Charlevoix, immediately adjacent to the Charlevoix Municipal Marina's Harbor Master Building at the foot of E. Clinton Street. Operation of the Fountain is weather-dependent, though it is expected to be open in early May through mid-October. Please review the fountain's daily operation schedule for more information.
Your generosity has helped make this community dream a reality -- the Charlevoix Fountain of Youth hosted thousands of children this summer!
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