Community commitment creates new era for iconic water tower
by Jon Thompson, Mayor, City of Coolidge
I’d like to take time this month to discuss one of the largest projects the City has taken part in, and one that I’m especially proud of. The Coolidge water tower recently underwent some major restorations including repainting, new lettering and, for the first time in its history, lighting.
The Coolidge water tower has had its roots in the community since 1929, before Coolidge became an incorporated city. One of the unique features of the tower is its continued service to the community. It’s one of only a few working water towers in Arizona and serves about 4,800 Coolidge residents to this day. Arizona Water Company could have discontinued use of the tower but instead chose to keep it in operation. I appreciate the commitment of our water utility to maintain such a structure and a landmark for Coolidge.
Arizona Water enlisted the help of a contractor to repaint the water tower in a white reflective coating and stenciled the words “Coolidge” around the front. The symbol now shows a renewed emphasis on the growing opportunities Coolidge has to offer and a commitment to the community.
Additionally, with the help of the City and various donors throughout the community, lighting was added to the tower. The City visited a similarly built water tower in Gilbert and met with Town officials. Coolidge staff researched what it would take to place and maintain a similar lighting system so the water tower could be seen for miles. After some discussion, the City estimated it would cost approximately $68,000 for a complete system.
Although it seemed that amount would be difficult to raise in a short time, the community stepped up with donations to help create what would become a beacon for Coolidge.
Once again, it’s our local businesses like Arizona Water Company and our many members of the community who committed to help support this large project. The water tower is one of the best-known symbols of Coolidge and lighting it for the first time showed the community that we are united to help make Coolidge a better place for everyone. I thank our many contributors who saw the project as one they could be a part of and proud of.
I invite the public to visit Coolidge and the newly restored water tower. It’s this spirit that makes Coolidge a great place to live, work and play.
