Janssen Park Spring – to drink or not to drink?

BY MELANIE BUCK –

The Janssen Park Spring has been a staple of many Polk County citizens since the beginning of Mena when ‘the log cabin’ was the only building in town, back in 1895.

The spring has been used by countless citizens and visitors, to not only grab a quick drink while enjoying the park, but also to fill jugs full of water for home use, and much more. Shirley Manning reported, “that was the only water available for us at Central School.”

There are many memories and old stories that were created at the edge of the spring. Pictures and news articles tell the story best. One such article was printed in The Mena Star on August 19, 1909, where Judge J.P. Kelly employed a company to clean out the spring. Many items were found inside including, “24 marbles, a doll head and many tin cups.”

Another article from November 9, 1933 tells the horrific story of a 77-year old man giving up on life and sticking his head through the small opening under the concrete covering in the spring until he drowned, citing in letters nearby, “I am tired of life and the world as I find it.”

Many happy memories surround the spring as well. Family picnics, weddings, and a “water cooler” type social gathering place, the spring means more than just a place to get a cold drink of water.  It is a part of Mena’s history, from the very beginning. Also printed in the article from 1909, was a statement that sums up just how important the spring has been, “Each season more people realize the value of this fine spring, and more water is carried away for drinking purposes, some by railway men to cities many miles away. There are cities that would give thousands of dollars to own such a spring.”

Manning recently asked The Pulse, “why we can no longer drink the water from the spring in Janssen Park?” Manning stated that she has had many people ask her why, but she has no answer. “I grew up drinking it, and my kids and grandkids drank it. So where is the truth behind the sign that says it is no longer safe to drink?” said Manning.

Manning is referring to the sign that hangs under the eve of the gazebo, built to protect the spring. The sign reads: “THIS WATER IS NOT SAFE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION DO NOT DRINK!”

Through investigating the subject, The Pulse was led to City Attorney Danny Thrailkill, who stated, “Because of where the spring is located, the number of people that are near, and things such as fertilized lawns, the groundwater is not suitable. We don’t know what kind of contaminates may be in the water. It has been a long time since it’s been tested and the city chooses to take an abundance of care for the health and safety of the public. It may be fine but we just don’t know and don’t want to take the risk.”

Though many fail to see the sign, it’s been there for at least 25 years to encourage people to not take the risk themselves. Regina Walker, formerly City Clerk/Treasurer for more than 26 years, was in office when the city decided to hang the sign. Walker stated, “We tested the water to see if it could be consumed and it was a pre-cautionary measure to insure the safety of our citizens, on behalf of the city to warn the public because of the liability the city could face.”

As part of Mena’s founding history, the spring has given much of itself to the many generations that have visited and, by hope, it will be there for many, many more.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HAROLD COOGAN

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