Banners Feature Residents Enjoying the Quality of Life in Urbandale

Drivers down Douglas Avenue in Urbandale may have noticed some familiar faces recently.  The city installed new street banners featuring local residents enjoying those activities and values that make Urbandale great.  

Thirty-one signs have been installed on light poles along Douglas Avenue from Urbandale’s east boundary to 72^nd Street.  In 2011, the City of Urbandale hired Shive Hattery Architecture and Engineering to complete a Master Plan Study for the Douglas Avenue Beautification Project, and the banners are the first phase of that project.  

During a forum of community representatives held in May 2011, residents were asked to provide words describing Urbandale. “The commonalities we heard from forum participants were ‘people and ‘values,’” said Jan Herke, Parks and Recreation Director.  “We heard descriptions like ‘family,’ ‘progressive’ and ‘healthy.’  These words were translated into images for the street banners.”

The city’s public art funds paid for the cost of the street banners. The images are printed on a material that is adhered to metal signs.  While no definite timeline has been given on how long the signs will stay up, the hope is to periodically rotate in new photos in the future. 

“We are thrilled to have the banners showcased along Douglas Avenue,” said Herke.  “These banners are a great addition to the streetscape along Douglas Avenue and highlight the values which make Urbandale a great place to live, work and play!”