Board approves Houston/Ross historical signs and recommends clustered installation; staff outlines park finish work and Sept. 26 ribbon cutting

The Parks, Rex, and Greenway board approved the proposed 24x36 historical wayside signs for Houston Ross Park after descendants presented the Ross–Houston family story and provided draft panel copy. The board also recommended specific clustered installation locations and reviewed remaining construction and event planning tasks for the new park.

"It tells the story of a family," Reverend McKenna told the board during a narrative presentation the group described as an "endeavor of love." Presentation material highlights the Ross sisters’ adoption/apprenticeship of a young Robert (Bob) Ross, inheritance and the sacred nature of ancestral land the family helped preserve.

Board action: A member moved to "approve the 24 by 36 Houston Ross historical signs as amended," which passed by voice vote. The board then moved and passed a recommendation on installation locations to cluster five or six signs in the initial half of the park path — near the pollinator garden and the planned shaded pergola — to concentrate interpretation without detracting from the park experience. Staff said final locations will be verified in a site walkthrough before permanent installation.

Design details and permissions: Board members urged the presenters to provide higher‑resolution photos, secure written permission for family photographs, and consider QR codes or short audio recordings to preserve oral histories that will not fit legibly on wayside panels. Staff requested consolidated feedback by the end of the week so the item and any edits could be forwarded to council for consideration at its June 15 meeting.

Park finish work and events: Staff reported the water feature contract is executed with installation expected to begin in July; the vendor will select an appropriate stone to accept a commemorative plaque. Staff also outlined ribbon‑cutting plans for Sept. 26 (1–3 p.m.), including shuttles, refreshments and descendant participation, and said the village will cover event costs. Staff asked the board to participate in walk‑throughs and to provide final copy/photo approvals; the board approved the large Village Hall sign for ordering as well.

What happens next: Staff will consolidate edits, secure permissions for photos, perform a site walkthrough to confirm final sign placements, and present the final sign package and purchase request to council for approval.