Residents and pets hydrate with new water stations

by Laura Bednar

In the midst of the summer heat, the city is keeping residents and their furry friends cool with new water bottle refill stations and pet bowls around Elmwood Park and the Civic Center.

Technical Services Director David Snyderburn said there are water bottle refilling stations at the outdoor pool, press box and Liberty Station. There are three in the Civic Center and two in the Fieldhouse.

Below some of the water fountains in Elmwood Park, residents will find stainless steel water bowls for pets to drink from during a walk. Recreation Director Tom Walchanowicz said the department purchased the bowls at residents’ request and placed them under drinking fountains at the press box, outdoor pool, Zuber Field, Kiwanis Pavilion and Public Square.

“Since the pandemic, more people walk their dogs in the park,” Walchanowicz said.

Residents can fill the bowls from the fountain itself or the attached faucet on select fountains. Walchanowicz said the department hopes to eventually purchase water fountains with a built-in fountain at the bottom, specifically for dogs. ∞