Lincoln Park presentation highlights Field of Flags; council approves special-event permits

Tom Kearns, representing the historical museum, told the Lincoln Park City Council about a Field of Flags display at Memorial Park that uses 250 flags to represent U.S. history from 1776 through 2026 and includes interpretive cards for each year. "Each flag represents a year in our country's history, 1776 to 2026," Kearns said, and he invited residents to a museum program on July 1 and a closing ceremony at the park on July 5.

Kearns said sponsors including the Lincoln Park Community Credit Union and United Rentals helped underwrite the exhibit and that event expenses of about $11,000 would be covered; any excess will go to a fund for ongoing war-memorial maintenance. He noted that 129 flags will bear the names and service details of soldiers listed on the city's war memorial.

After the presentation, the council moved through its consent agenda and cleared routine business including approval of minutes, payable claims, a CDBG rehab loan and a renewal of an auto-dealer license. The council then voted to approve a special-event permit for the Knights of Columbus picnic (Aug. 8, 2026, at 3528 Ford St.) with standard conditions for cleanup, parking enforcement and insurance, and approved a special-event permit for Little Brittle's grand opening (July 5, 2026, at 2271 4th St.) subject to cleanup and the usual safety and inspection requirements.

Clerk roll calls recorded Councilmembers Duprey, Nickels, Ross, Salcido and Zor and Mayor Tobin as voting to approve those items; Councilperson Bearns was recorded as absent. Council members asked staff to confirm police and fire sign-offs for events that propose street or alley closures.

The museum and community events outlined at the meeting give residents additional opportunities to visit Memorial Park and the city museum during the July 4 holiday period. The council adjourned at the end of the meeting; no votes were taken to change the event approvals.