City outlines gateway signage plan and July 4 schedule; Eyes of Freedom memorial to visit Prairie Creek Park

City staff told the Board of Works they are advancing a gateway and wayfinding signage plan and previewed July Fourth activities and a visiting veterans’ memorial.

Kimberly (S6), who is managing signage, said she will meet with Sign Works and expects to reuse existing sign poles when possible, replacing only the signage. She said the plan covers gateway signs, downtown wayfinding, and potential relocation or addition of a city limit sign near the I‑65 interchange; moving or adding signs on state routes requires permitting through NDOT. Kimberly said the full signage plan will be mapped and presented at the next Board of Works meeting, and that installation could proceed in phases.

Emily (parks department staff) gave a timeline for July activities: the Harvard Terrace parade will start at about 10 a.m., and the parks festival will begin at 3 p.m. to provide vendors more setup time. New attractions this year include human ‘‘hamster’’ balls, laser tag, water activities, bounce houses, a foam party, and three bands (The Jacks, Jesse Brown duo, and Neon Nineties Country Rewind) before fireworks. Emily said the Eyes of Freedom traveling memorial (a tribute from Lima Company) will be hosted inside the air‑conditioned Prairie Creek Park event center July 2–5 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will be free to the public; she said city departments and local nonprofits will assist with setup and teardown.

Board members encouraged staff to continue developing the signage plan and coordinate permits and maintenance responsibilities (for instance, who will mow and maintain any roundabout signage). The board did not take further formal action on signage at this meeting; staff will return with a mapped plan.