Evans City pursues new LED community sign for EDCO Park
Evans City officials are reviewing a proposal to replace the existing sign at EDCO Park with a double-sided LED community sign.
The sign would display public safety notifications, park programming information, civic events and messages from nonprofit and community organizations, according to the proposal.
It would measure 4 feet by 8 feet on each side and would use the existing sign structure with electrical and masonry upgrades planned to meet safety and compliance standards.
“I think this sign will improve the amount of communication we can put out,” Evans City council President Cheri Deener said.
According to borough estimates, the price tag would be around $34,000.
One significant funding source officials are pursuing is a Butler County Parks and Recreation grant worth $7,500, with a $2,500 borough contribution. It’s unclear, however, if and when that grant might be awarded, Deener said.
She also said the grant funding would dictate the timeline for installation.
Other funding would include one-time partner organization contributions and matching funds raised by EDCO through park-related fundraising efforts.
Borough officials emphasized the sign would function strictly as a community information and recognition tool and would not be used for commercial advertising.
All content scheduling and operational control would be handled exclusively by the EDCO Park Authority under rules adopted by its board, the proposal states.
Director of operations Joe McCombs identified several zoning-related issues, including the sign face exceeding the institutional size limit by two square feet and the absence of clear ordinance language addressing modern electronic message center signage.
However, McCombs noted in the proposal that minimal size deviation provides “no compelling policy reason to require zoning relief for such a minor dimension.”
Deener said officials would continue having discussions over specific details in the coming months as the project moves forward.
