A Simple Idea to Make Downtown Joseph More Welcoming

Bringing a Public Water (Kúus) Fountain to Joseph’s Main Street

A simple idea can make a meaningful difference.

Joseph resident and community volunteer Marc Fitzgerald is working with local residents, businesses, and community supporters to explore bringing a public drinking fountain to Main Street in downtown Joseph. The goal is simple: provide residents and visitors with convenient access to fresh drinking water while they walk, shop, explore, and enjoy our downtown.

What began as one person’s idea is already becoming a community conversation. Marc has connected with others who are interested in helping move the project forward, and this page will serve as a place to share information, project updates, next steps, and ways people can get involved.

This is a community-led effort and is not presented as an official City of Joseph project unless and until the appropriate approvals are received.

The Proposal & Action Plan:

HOW TO BRING PUBLIC DRINKING

FOUNTAIN TO JOSEPH, OREGON

A Simple Step-by-Step Guide for Citizens

August 2026 Edition

Introduction

Thank you for wanting to improve Joseph.

A public drinking fountain is something residents, visitors, hikers, bicyclists, children, pets, and downtown businesses can all enjoy.

The good news is that projects like this can happen.

The key is to work with the city instead of trying to do it alone.

This guide explains every step in plain English.

STEP 1

Decide Where You Want the Fountain

Three locations make the most sense.

Option 1

Joseph Visitor Center ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Best Choice)

Advantages

• Thousands of visitors every year

• People already stop there

• Excellent visibility

• Easy to advertise sponsors

• Encourages people to stay downtown

• Good location for people walking dogs

Possible challenges

• Need approval from whoever owns or manages the property.

• Water and power connections would need to be confirmed.

Option 2

Joseph City Hall ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Advantages

• City property makes coordination more straightforward if the City supports the project.

• Existing public utilities are nearby.

• Public access.

Possible challenges

• Must receive City approval.

• Must fit with downtown appearance.

Option 3

In Front of the Post Office ⭐⭐

Advantages

• Heavy foot traffic

• Visitors naturally stop there

Challenges

This location is the hardest.

The Post Office is federal property.

That means you would likely need approval from the U.S. Postal Service in addition to any local coordination, making it much more difficult than a city-owned location.

Recommendation: Start with either City Hall or the Visitor Center.

STEP 2

Meeting the City

Your first stop should be:

Joseph City Hall
201 N Main Street
Joseph, OR 97846
Phone: (541) 432-3832

Tell them:

"I'd like to donate or help fund a public drinking fountain for downtown Joseph. I'd like to learn what approvals would be needed."

Don't ask for permission immediately.

Ask for advice.

People are much more willing to help when they feel included.

STEP 3

Does the City Need to Approve It?

Yes.

Any fountain placed on City property should be reviewed by the City before installation.

Depending on the location and scope, the project may be discussed by City staff, Public Works, or the City Council. Joseph also has public meetings where community projects can be discussed.

STEP 4

Do You Need a Petition?

Legally?

Usually No.

There is generally no law requiring a petition before proposing a project like this.

Is one a good idea?

Absolutely.

A petition shows the city that the community supports the project.

A reasonable goal would be:

• 100 signatures = Good

• 200 signatures = Very Good

• 300+ signatures = Excellent

Ask People Questions Like:

Would you support a public drinking fountain downtown?

YES ___

NO ___

Name

City

Signature

STEP 5

Go to a City Council Meeting

Joseph City Council normally meets monthly. Meeting schedules and agendas are posted by the city.

Keep your presentation under five minutes.

Say something like:

"Joseph welcomes thousands of visitors every year. A public drinking fountain would help residents, children, bicyclists, hikers, pets, and tourists while improving downtown. I'm asking the city to consider partnering on this project."

Simple.

Positive.

Short.

STEP 6

What Kind of Fountain Should Joseph Install?

I recommend choosing a high-quality fountain that will last for many years and serve both residents and visitors.

Recommended Features

✅ Stainless steel construction

✅ Drinking bubbler

✅ Bottle filling station

✅ Dog bowl at the bottom

✅ ADA accessible

✅ Freeze-resistant design for Joseph's winters

This type of fountain would be ideal for downtown Joseph because it serves hikers, bicyclists, families, local-residents, and visitors with pets.

Estimated Cost

A realistic budget for a project like this is approximately $7,500.

This estimate includes purchasing the fountain and basic installation, assuming it is placed near an existing water line.

If major plumbing or utility work is required, the total cost could be higher, but $7,500 is a reasonable fundraising goal for a simple public drinking fountain project.

How Could the Project Be Funded?

One of the easiest ways would be through community sponsorships.

For example:

• 15 local businesses donating $500 each = $7,500

Another option would be a combination of business and community support:

• 10 businesses donating $500 each = $5,000

• 20 community members donating $100 each = $2,000

• Total raised = $7,000

Additional donations or grants could help cover any remaining expenses.

Many businesses enjoy supporting projects that improve downtown and benefit both residents and visitors.

STEP 7

What Kind of Fountain?

Choose one that includes:

✔ Bottle filler

✔ ADA accessible height

✔ Pet bowl at the bottom

✔ Stainless steel

✔ Vandal-resistant push button

✔ Powder-coated finish

STEP 8

Joseph Winters

Joseph receives significant snow and freezing temperatures.

Because of that, do not leave the fountain running all winter.

The best approach is:

• Install a frost-proof supply line below the local frost depth.

• Include an interior shutoff valve.

• Drain the fountain before freezing weather.

• Shut it off for the winter.

• Cover exposed fixtures if recommended by the manufacturer.

This is the same seasonal approach many cold-climate communities use to protect outdoor drinking fountains.

STEP 9

Who Pays?

Possible funding sources include:

• City of Joseph

• Local businesses

• Community donations

• Service organizations (such as Rotary or Lions, if interested)

• Local foundations

• Oregon recreation or community improvement grants, if the City or another eligible public sponsor applies.

STEP 10

How to Get People Excited

Ideas:

• "Help Keep Joseph Beautiful"

• "Water for Everyone"

• "Hydrate Downtown Joseph"

• "Honor a Loved One"

• "Sponsor a Drinking Fountain"

Offer donor recognition on a small plaque if approved by the city.

FINAL CHECKLIST

☐ Choose the preferred location.

☐ Meet with City Hall.

☐ Confirm property ownership.

☐ Gather community support.

☐ Collect petition signatures.

☐ Develop a simple budget.

☐ Seek donations and sponsors.

☐ Work with the City on approvals.

☐ Apply for grants if an eligible sponsor is involved.

☐ Install the fountain.

☐ Celebrate with a ribbon cutting!

Why This Project Makes Sense

A public drinking fountain would provide clean drinking water for:

• Residents

• Visitors

• Children

• Hikers

• Bicyclists

• People attending community events

• Dogs and other pets

It would also encourage people to spend more time walking around downtown Joseph, benefiting nearby businesses and improving the visitor experience.

Best Recommendation

The best approach is to install one attractive, commercial-grade stainless steel fountain with a bottle filler and a pet bowl.

It would be durable, easy to maintain, attractive, and useful for many years.

A project with a fundraising goal of about $7,500 is realistic for a community the size of Joseph and could likely be achieved through a combination of business sponsorships, community donations, and, if available, grant funding.

If approved, I would also recommend placing a small bronze or engraved plaque near the fountain recognizing the businesses, organizations, and community members who helped make the project possible. This provides a lasting acknowledgment while keeping the fountain itself uncluttered.

NOTE: How best to avoid spreading germs from the water-fountain:

My Recommendation for Joseph

I would recommend a fountain with:

• ✅ Bottle filling station

• ✅ Drinking bubbler

• ✅ Dog bowl

• ✅ Stainless steel construction

• ✅ Freeze-resistant design

• ✅ ADA accessibility

• ✅ A simple cleaning schedule posted for maintenance staff

Adding the bottle filler is one of the most effective ways to reduce concerns about germ transmission because many people will choose to fill a bottle instead of drinking directly from the bubbler.

Possible Grant Opportunities:

OPTION 1 — Oregon Community Foundation (with nonprofit)

Best for:

Projects that improve community health, recreation, and public gathering spaces.

A local nonprofit can apply on behalf of the project or serve as a fiscal sponsor if the City of Joseph is not the applicant. OCF also allows fiscal sponsorship arrangements for eligible community projects.

Potential Award

• $5,000–$20,000

Contact

Oregon Community Foundation

Phone:
(503) 227-6846

Email:
grants@oregoncf.org

General Information:
Oregon Community Foundation Grants

OPTION 2 — Oregon Parks Foundation Fund (with nonprofit or public agency)

This fund supports improvements to Oregon's public parks and recreational spaces. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and public agencies. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000.

Potential Award

• $1,000–$5,000

Contact

Michael Oreste
Senior Program Officer

Email:
moreste@oregoncf.org

Marcy Houle

Phone:
(503) 222-5455

Information:
Oregon Parks Foundation Fund

OPTION 3 — BottleDrop Fund (with nonprofit)

Although applications are by invitation, the BottleDrop Fund supports Oregon nonprofit projects focused on recycling, litter reduction, environmental conservation, and public-private partnerships. A bottle-filling station that reduces disposable plastic bottle use could align well with its goals.

Potential Award

• $2,500–$10,000

Contact

Michael Oreste

Email:
moreste@oregoncf.org

General Grants Email:
grants@oregoncf.org

Phone:
(503) 227-6846

Information:
BottleDrop Fund Information

OPTION 4 — Oregon Local Government Grant Program (No nonprofit required)

Eligible applicants include cities, counties, park districts, and other local government agencies. If the City of Joseph owns the fountain, it may qualify as part of a park or outdoor recreation improvement project.

Potential Award

• Small grants and larger competitive grants are available depending on the project.

Contact

Jennifer Dimsho
Grant Program Coordinator

Email:
jennifer.dimsho@oprd.oregon.gov

Program Information:
Oregon Local Government Grant Program

OPTION 5 — City of Joseph Business Sponsorship Campaign (No nonprofit required)

Rather than applying for a grant, the City of Joseph could lead a sponsorship campaign.

Example:

• 15 businesses × $500 = $7,500

• 10 businesses × $500 + 25 residents × $100 = $7,500

Each sponsor could be recognized on a plaque near the fountain.

Contact

City of Joseph

201 N Main Street
Joseph, OR 97846

Phone:
(541) 432-3832

Ask for:

• City Administrator

• Public Works Director

• City Council

OPTION 6 — Community Fundraising (No nonprofit required)

Many successful small-town amenities are funded by a mix of:

• Individual donations

• Local businesses

• Civic clubs (Rotary, Lions, Elks)

• Community events

For example:

• 100 people × $25 = $2,500

• 10 businesses × $500 = $5,000

Total:
$7,500

This approach can also strengthen grant applications by demonstrating local support.

The people I'd contact first:

The first six calls should be:

1. City of Joseph – (541) 432-3832

2. Wallowa County Rotary Club (through the Chamber) – (541) 426-4622

3. Enterprise/Joseph Lions Club (through the Chamber) – (541) 426-4622

4. Enterprise Elks Lodge #1829 – (541) 426-1829

5. Josephy Center – (541) 432-0505

6. Oregon Community Foundation (Eastern Oregon) – (541) 665-8626

Together, these organizations could provide sponsorships, volunteers, grant support, fiscal sponsorship, and community visibility—giving your fountain project a strong foundation for success.

This is a great project…good luck!

Help Make It Happen

This project is about more than adding a drinking fountain—it’s about neighbors working together to make Joseph an even more welcoming place for the people who live here and the visitors who come to enjoy our community. If you support the idea, have suggestions, or would like to help in some way, we’d love to hear from you. As the project moves forward, updates will be shared here so everyone can follow its progress and learn how they can be part of making it happen.

Want to get involved? 

Contact Marc Fitzgerald at email - kufitz@aol.co