New eco-friendly fountain for beach community | Environment

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WECT) – There is a new place for families to play and relax in this beach community. The Harbor Island Garden Club cut the ribbon Thursday on a new fountain in the Harbor Way Gardens near the entrance to town.

The fountain system uses harvested rainwater that is run through electronic oxidation, copper ionization and mechanical filtration. It produces water that is free of bacteria, algae and viruses, and safer for children to play in and run through. Capturing rainwater also reduces flooding, erosion and contamination of surface water.

The Harbor Island Garden Club, which was founded in 1952, raised more than $20,000 to make this fountain a reality. Fundraiser included a gala and auction, along with proceeds from a published cookbook containing recipes of garden club members. The impervious surface also includes bricks and pavers inscribed with messages from donors.

Garden Club President Allison Long thanked many of the volunteers who worked to decorate the fountain area, along with Josh Rickards of Creative Cascades, who designed the fountain system.

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