Comments on: Decatur Wants Your Help Installing New Drinking Fountains Around the City

By: RobP

RobP — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 03:18:34 +0000

Hi Folks,
I actually volunteered to be on this Committee. Hopefully, I’ll get to serve and provide input. I’m enjoying reading the posts. Obviously, I’m for water fountains throughout the city, especially in green spaces and near trails. I would love to go to the first meeting armed with some soild location suggestions. How about it DM devotees? Can you provide some favored locations for water fountains? Thanks!

By: AnotherRick

AnotherRick — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 16:42:01 +0000

Chris: I was surprised by your question, and did not realize you were being sarcastic, as usual. Still, our city does not have to be so meager and could be more humane and civilized than your stinginess calls for. That is what I advocate.

By: Eric

Eric — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 15:29:08 +0000

DEM and Mr. Billingsly: Isn’t it reading a bit too much into it to assume the City is overseeing anyone’s hydration? And I know there is some sarcasm in your responses, but this would seem to be a proposal to provide an amenity rather than to ensure no one gets dehydrated (not so big-brotherish).

If your concern is how much the City would need to spend on what can be considered a “nice to have” or a luxury, I share your concern. I’m glad that I’m not the only one with that concern.

But the post does indicate that the committee is just planning, including funding, which would suggest to me that the entire cost wouldn’t necessarily come from general funds, i.e., entirely from taxpayer dollars. And perhaps there are also opportunities to save with volunteer labor helping with the installations. Looking forward to finding out more.

By: Karass

Karass — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 12:56:38 +0000

Ice-cold water fountains–now that’s a real luxury! And even rarer than water fountains, public restrooms, mailboxes, and pay phones!

By: Chris Billingsley

Chris Billingsley — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 12:03:26 +0000

One of my strongest memories growing up in Decatur is the water fountains in the old courthouse. You could always cool off from the summer heat (there was little air conditioning in Decatur in the Fifties) by visiting the courthouse and having a long drink of ice-cold water from the fountain. And it was always ice cold! There were two fountains near the north entrance (segregation was the law), plus “colored only/white only” signs.
I don’t think the old courthouse has a public water fountain today but doesn’t city hall?