Casa Grande to build parkfor neon signs
A long-term ambition in Casa Grande looks to be coming to fruition thanks to a recent grant.
For years, Casa Grande has wanted to build a park where it could show off historic neon signs. Such a park, the Neon Museum, already exists in Las Vegas, and has proven to be a popular attraction. Casa Grande wanted to do the same, but has not had the funds for construction.
Recently, however, it was announced that the city has won a grant to help build the park. Casa Grande voters weighed in in favor of their hometown, and beat out some heavy hitters including Portland, Oregon, and Los Angeles.
Casa Grande Main Street's executive director, Rina Rein, said the signs are historic, authentic signs that were once used in the community, but had been put in storage waiting for money to become available so that they could be restored and displayed. Rein thought it could take 10 years.
Instead, the city entered a contest sponsored by American Express and other sizable corporations who were willing to fund a project on a city's main street. Casa Grande placed second, winning $144,000 to be used to finish the sign park. Craig McFarland, the mayor of Casa Grande, said he thinks the park could be the impetus that drives more activity to the downtown area. Construction could begin this summer, with a completion date by the end of 2018.
Officials working on projects like this might consider working with a flyer printing company on a mailer to residents describing the park.
For years, Casa Grande has wanted to build a park where it could show off historic neon signs. Such a park, the Neon Museum, already exists in Las Vegas, and has proven to be a popular attraction. Casa Grande wanted to do the same, but has not had the funds for construction.
Recently, however, it was announced that the city has won a grant to help build the park. Casa Grande voters weighed in in favor of their hometown, and beat out some heavy hitters including Portland, Oregon, and Los Angeles.
Casa Grande Main Street's executive director, Rina Rein, said the signs are historic, authentic signs that were once used in the community, but had been put in storage waiting for money to become available so that they could be restored and displayed. Rein thought it could take 10 years.
Instead, the city entered a contest sponsored by American Express and other sizable corporations who were willing to fund a project on a city's main street. Casa Grande placed second, winning $144,000 to be used to finish the sign park. Craig McFarland, the mayor of Casa Grande, said he thinks the park could be the impetus that drives more activity to the downtown area. Construction could begin this summer, with a completion date by the end of 2018.
Officials working on projects like this might consider working with a flyer printing company on a mailer to residents describing the park.