A new digital sign marking the entrance of Iola’s Riverside Park marks the completion of a months-long collaboration between the city, USD 257 and Allen County 4-H Council.
Workers from CDL Electric put the finishing touches on the sign last week, complete with a 3-foot by 10-foot digital display, which will be used to post happenings in the park, from sporting events to other activities for the city and school district, as well as 4-H happenings.
“It turned out great,” noted Robby Droessler, Iola’s parks and cemeteries superintendent.
It was about a year ago, he recalled, when the 4-H Council approached the city about a joint project. Organizers quickly decided to include USD 257, and the governing bodies of all three agreed to split the cost of the $90,000 project three ways.
The city’s parks crews poured the cement foundation and Iola’s electric distribution crews extended power to the sign.
The sign also includes a pair of archways, an homage to the original archway that formerly covered the entrance to the park a century ago.
Iola’s Recreation Department crews, who have offices in the park, will be in charge of the daily messaging on the sign. Recreation Director Jason Bauer said employees would be trained later this week.
