The City of Storm Lake and Buena Vista County Public Health will be holding a brief dedication event to celebrate addition of two grant-funded water fountains for highly-used recreation areas in City parks. The public is invited to the dedication event, to be held in Seneca Park, behind the Police Station, Tuesday, October 15, 4:30 p.m.
Storm Lake Police are planning a community BBQ, and a limited supply of Storm Lake water bottles will be given away.
A water fountain will be located at Seneca Park, adjacent to the Hoop Dreams basketball court that the Storm Lake Police Department developed, and near the City playground. Another will be located in Chautauqua Park, near the City soccer mini pitch, pickleball complex and newly-developed playground.
The additions are not just any water fountains. In colorful bright blue powder-coating, they feature an ADA-approved accessible drinking fountain, a quick-action bottle filler station, and even a pet water bowl. An in-line charcoal filter ensures the highest possible quality for drinking water. The fountains were made possible by the Rethink Your Drink program funded by the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation.
Oral health was identified as one of the top three areas of concern in the county’s most recent community health assessment. Medicaid reimbursements currently do not cover the costs of care provided by dentists. Buena Vista County Public Health is focusing on teaching healthy habits such as proper brushing, flossing, and the importance of drinking our safe and high quality tap water, with the fluoride that can help prevent cavities from developing.
Tracy Gotto, Community Resource Specialist at Buena Vista County Public Health, proposed the project earlier this year and wrote the grant to pay for the fountains. Gotto spends a great deal of time connecting families to the limited dental resources and knows the importance of preventing dental issues.
Hydration is also vital for an active lifestyle.
“We know healthy smiles and healthy lives are closely connected and that is why we invest in the Rethink Your Drink program,” said Suzanne Heckenlaible, executive director of the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation. “Whether we’re in the classroom or being active in our community, staying hydrated is key to supporting our health.”
The Iowa Department of Education estimates that more than 50 percent of young people are often not properly hydrated, especially when active - which can impact health and energy levels.
The SLPD worked with the project as well, and City water and public works staff have provided water line extensions and installation labor.