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Jonesboro council explores short-term hydration stations for Lee Street Park
Summary
Council discussed two near-term options to restore drinking water at Lee Street Park — mobile/secured hydration stations (est. $2,500–$5,000) or a staffed concession approach (est. $4,500–$9,500) — and directed staff to pursue administrative options and local partnerships while fast-tracking a longer-term plumbing fix.
Jonesboro — Councilmembers on June 1 discussed quick, interim ways to restore accessible drinking water at Lee Street Park while the city plans a longer-term plumbing and fountain replacement.
The agenda included an item sponsored by the mayor pro tem that outlined two primary options: (1) contract or staff a concession-style operation that would dispense ice and refillable water (an option the memo estimated at roughly $4,500–$9,500 including dispenser purchases and wages), or (2) install secured, plumbed or mobile hydration stations that would be monitored and refilled a few times daily (estimated $2,500–$5,000). Council discussed volunteer support, short-term donations of bottled water and potential assistance from the Clayton County Water Authority.
Why it matters: The park’s permanent fountain has been inoperable for some time — staff indicated underground piping and other repairs may be required for a permanent fix — and council members expressed concern about park users, especially children, having reliable access to water during warm months.
What council members said and asked
- Cost and funding: Staff said several internal savings sources could cover a short-term purchase and that if needed contingency funds would be considered; one councilmember suggested using personnel-savings lines that are currently available.
- Operational options: Council favored a mobile/secured station as a lower-cost, lower-maintenance near-term solution that could be placed where a water source is available and monitored by staff or volunteers. The concession staffing option was described as feasible but likely more costly and requiring regular labor.
- Long-term fix: Staff and council acknowledged the permanent solution will require plumbing work and potentially replacement of fountains or underground pipe repairs; the city has prioritized those repairs but gave no firm completion date at the meeting.
Next steps
Council asked staff to explore immediate purchases and partnerships that could deliver a mobile hydration station quickly (staff estimated some models could be ordered and deployed within a few weeks), to coordinate with Clayton County Water Authority outreach, and to return with a recommended approach and final cost estimate. The council signaled it would approve any expense under $10,000 administratively; larger expenditures would be brought back for formal council action.
