Politics & Government

Royal Oak Receives Gift to Study Pet-Friendly Drinking Fountain

Joan Larson donates $1,000 in consideration of a Murdock fountain.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, a Royal Oak woman gave a gift to the city for "all creatures great and small" at Monday's City Commission meeting.

Former city worker, Joan Larson, 75, approached the podium during the public comment section of the meeting and asked the mayor to accept a check for $1,000 to initiate consideration of a Murdock fountain.

What's a Murdock fountain?

Larson explained it's a drinking fountain that is suitable for people and their four-legged best friends, too.

Larson said the gift was to show her gratitude to the Department of Public Service for repairing the road behind the Royal Oak Animal Shelter.

The City of Birmingham has just installed pet-friendly fountain at Shain Park, Larson said.

If a study shows it's feasible, the Royal Oak fountain could possibly be located at Second Street and Williams, Larson said.

"This is a concept and project I have had on my mind for a long time," Larson said before her presentation. "I figured, what am I waiting for? This is the right time to do it."

Correction: Carrie Laird, Birmingham's parks and recreation manager called to inform Patch that the type of fountain Larson is interested in is called a Murdock Fountain and sent a photo from a Birmingham brochure that shows what one looks like. (See above.)


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