Berrien Community Foundation announces New Buffalo Recreational Authority as the 2022 winner of the William J. Deputy Grant. The winning project takes aim at quenching the thirst of the thousands of people who enjoy New Buffalo’s many recreational outlets.
“One of the needs we saw recurring on various improvement surveys was the desire for hydration stations,” said Pano Arvanitis, treasurer for the New Buffalo Recreational Authority. “There really aren’t many public water facilities in the area, but yet water is vital for bikers, hikers and walkers to stay active and feel refreshed.”
The City of New Buffalo and New Buffalo Township are home to approximately 3,500 year-round residents, but the population can expand seven-fold on the busiest weekends in the summer, Arvanitis added. Altogether, the city and township maintain 10 parks and, along with the New Buffalo Area Schools, operate the New Buffalo Skate Park.
The stations will feature drinking fountains, a bottle-filling spout and on some, a lower dish for dogs. Each one will be strategically placed in higher-trafficked areas throughout the city, township and on school grounds. The first three will be installed this fall thanks to the William J. Deputy Grant.
“Water is, quite literally, essential to life,” said Berrien Community Foundation President Lisa Cripps-Downey. “Bill Deputy set up this endowment to support projects that enhance Harbor Country. Because New Buffalo is such a hot spot, especially in the summer, this project will impact many people and help them stay better hydrated as they enjoy everything New Buffalo offers.”
The New Buffalo Recreational Authority is a partnership between the City of New Buffalo, New Buffalo Township and New Buffalo Area Schools. It was formed in 2021 specifically to focus on enhancing recreation opportunities in the New Buffalo area.
“The William J. Deputy Grant is our very first grant application and our very first ‘yes,’” said Arvanitis. “Because the authority is a collaboration between three entities, we have some lofty goals to enhance the community. We’re very excited to partner with Berrien Community Foundation and appreciative of BCF giving us our start.”
The William J. Deputy Endowment Fund was established by philanthropist Bill Deputy to support projects and programs in the Harbor Country area. A member of the New Buffalo Yacht Club and New Buffalo Harbor Commission, Bill Deputy was a man who cared about the growth of his community and those who live there.
