If a panhandler were asking you for money, and nearby was one of these old parking meters, which would you give your money to? This sends a clear message to panhandlers. Also the old parking meters have the red and green flags that pop up instead of the electronic ones we have now. The city was thinking of putting stickers on all the green flags so when you put your change in, it would pop up and read "Thank you" or something fun like that.
Kids would love it--as much as they love throwing their money into water sculptures and wishing wells.