State Sen. Tom Butler secures grant for ‘Fund the Fountain’ effort

MADISON — Friends of Dublin Park is inching ever closer to their goal of raising enough money to replace the broken fountain at Dublin Park, and they are now one large step closer thanks to state Sen. Tom Butler’s efforts in securing a grant.

Originally projected to cost about $12,000, replacing the fountain costs less when it is funded by sources outside the city’s budget. Butler’s $2,500 grant, which puts the fundraiser at a little more than $5,600, means FOD is projected to reach their goal of $8,000 in the near future.

“This news was the greatest Christmas present I could ever have received,” said Margi Daly of FOD. “We have a generous, wonderful city, citizens and local representatives. We are nearing our goal and hoping this will help with a few more small donations.”

Tom Butler represents District 2 in the Alabama Senate. (Photo: senatorbutler.com)

Daly also expressed a great deal of gratitude to Madison’s Parks and Recreation Department for their hard work and continued support.

Butler is not the first politician to contribute to the cause. State Rep. Mike Ball secured a $2,000 grant for the fundraiser toward the end of 2018.

“I think it’ll be nice for that little lake for years to come,” Ball said. “… It’s one of those things that it’s nice to see that people are out there—when they’re doing things, it’s nice to know that we can find a little help to help them along.”

FOD is planning a dedication this spring once the new fountain is installed. Daly said the ceremony will serve to celebrate the new fountain and pay tribute to all who have helped make it a reality.

“We are celebrating 150 years as a city in 2019 and are so happy this project will be part of that celebration in history,” Daly added.

As of now, however, FOD is still seeking someone to install the fountain, “either a volunteer or [someone] at a discounted fee for our all-volunteer effort,” according to Daly.

Those interested in donating to the cause may still do so in person at Redstone Federal Credit Union or at an ATM with the account #51015260835. The name of the account is “Fund the Fountain.”

“Every person that donates will know they helped put it there when they pass or enter Dublin Park,” Daly said.

FOD also has a few T-shirts still available for a $25 donation to the Fund the Fountain effort. Daly said there are limited colors and sizes available from L-XXL. Anyone interested can email the group at friendsofdublinpark@gmail.com.

As they continue to raise money for the new fountain, FOD will also continue working to better Dublin Park in other ways. They have helped to bring CERT emergency management classes to the park, which will begin this month.

To keep up with FOD and their efforts, join their public group on Facebook, “Friends of Dublin Events Madison Al.” To become a member of FOD, request to join their private Facebook group, “Friends of Dublin Park (FOD).”