Community Water Bottle Refill Station Dedicated In Parker Plaza
It was a ‘blue bird’ day at Parker Plaza when the W.A.T.E.R. group (We Advocate Thorough Environmental Review) dedicated the first Water Refill Station to the town. A group of about 25 community members were there for the celebration, along with Lorie Saunders from the Mt. Shasta Beautification Committee.
Raven Stevens, W.A.T.E.R. Board member and project leader said, “We want to thank the Beautification Committee, the City of Mt. Shasta, specifically Julianna Lucchesi and Murial Terrell, the Public Works Department and our funders for making this a reality today. This device is freeze proof, has an ADA drinking fountain and also a lower bowl for our 4-legged friends.”
Eloise de la Pedraja and her brother Ash Hanelt give it a try! (photo by Bruce Hillman)
The project was funded in part by Plastic Oceans International’s “Rethink. Refill." Program. This program puts wall-mounted water bottle refill stations in schools in the United States and Mexico. Julie Anderson, Global Executive Director of Plastic Oceans International says “Plastic pollution affects everyone, regardless of socioeconomic standing, and ‘Rethink.Refill.’ levels the playing field. By reaching underserved communities, more youth are better equipped to evaluate their plastic usage, affect change, and improve upon solutions from an early age. Education and data are a powerful combination to empower the next generation.”
The second grant was awarded by the Community Foundation of the North State. "Community Foundation of the North State’s mission is to impact the region through the power of giving. On behalf of The McConnell Fund – one of 150+ funds at the Community Foundation – we are proud to assist W.A.T.E.R. and the City of Mt. Shasta with the installation of its first water bottle refill station. The ADA-accessible drinking fountain serves the whole community as well as visitors who support the region through tourism, providing the fresh mountain water the region is known for while reducing plastic waste impact." Kerry Caranci, CEO of Community Foundation of the North State.
Finally, the project funding was completed by community members who donated through W.A.T.E.R. via North State Giving Tuesday in 2020. W.A.T.E.R. President Frank Toriello spoke noting “It is our hope that this refill station will encourage an end to the prevalence of single-use plastics like the bottles that water is sold in. We are blessed in Mt. Shasta to have water coming out of the tap which has been awarded state-wide recognition three times as the best tasting water and has also been acknowledged nationally! And now everyone can come and refill their water bottles here for free!”
Stevens commented, “This water refill station is one small step toward minimizing plastic use in our community and the world. It’s important to model the change we want to see. Bring your friends down and show them how we roll!”
This is the completion of a project that will increase access for community and tourists to clean and delicious Mt. Shasta spring water for generations to come!