A city project to install water bottle filling stations throughout downtown has attracted a new sponsor, allowing for the instllation of two more stations. Traverse City Tourism has made a donation to purchase and place stations in the Jay Smith Walkway (next to Pangea Pizza on Front Street) and at the corner of Union and State streets. The stations - which feature both a drinking fountain and a spigot for filling water bottles - cost approximately $7,000 each.

Other station sponsors and locations include the National Cherry Festival (corner of Grandview Parkway and Union Street), Hagerty (Open Space), CH2M Hill (F&M Park), Mayor Michael Estes and Rhonda Estes (Grand Traverse Area Veterans Memorial Park) and an anonymous donor (West End Beach volleyball courts). City staff have expressed a goal of putting a station in every city park, as well as key other areas throughout the city. The city is accepting public donations and sponsorships to assist with the project. If you are interested in funding a station or wish to make a tax-deductible gift, call 231-922-4480 or send your contribution to City of Traverse City, c/o Katie Stroven, Deputy City Clerk, 400 Boardman Avenue, Traverse City, Michigan 49684.