Longwood OKs banner and flag plan for 250th anniversary; commissioners favor reusable designs

City staff and the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board presented options March 2 for commemorative 250th‑anniversary banners and flags for Ronald Reagan Boulevard, Bridal (Ryder) Park and select city flagpoles. Commissioners generally favored a hybrid approach that balances one‑time 250th banners at key entrances with reusable "Welcome to Longwood" and American flag banners for long‑term use.

Chris Capizzi, director of leisure services, said the Parks & Rec board would fund $2,632 of the initial banner purchases and presented two primary layout options for Bridal (Ryder) Park and a recommended alternating pattern for Ronald Reagan Boulevard (Welcome to Longwood banners alternating with 250th banners and flags at the park entrance). Staff said the decorative hardware already exists on the poles, limiting additional installation costs.

Commissioners discussed durability and storm resilience, asked staff to order a small number of additional American flag banners for reuse, and approved placing a 250th anniversary flag to fly under the American flag at City Hall and Longwood Memorial Gardens. Staff noted a $200 design fee would apply if the commission wanted a specific City of Longwood mark added to a banner.

Direction: staff to proceed with the Parks & Recreation recommendations, reuse American/Welcome banners where practical, and reserve a limited set of 250th banners for prominent entries and events. Implementation will be coordinated by Leisure Services and Parks & Recreation funding allotments.