The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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September 5, 2008

Lack of sign at Government Springs will soon be remedied

By Robert Barron Staff Writer

Government Springs Park is a historic site in Enid.

It was platted as a park by the U.S. government in 1893 after serving as a stop along the Chisholm Trail for cowboys and their cattle.

There are signs announcing the park along Garriott, but nothing at the entrance to the park. That soon will be remedied when Friends of Government Springs erects a lighted sign proclaiming the entrance to the park. The sign was designed by Howell and Van Curen, of Tulsa, who also designed the addition to Cherokee Strip Re-gional Heritage Center now under construction.

Ron Janzen, a member of Friends of Government Springs, said Enid builder Larry McClure will build the sign, and the group is conducting a fundraising effort to pay for the project. The sign will cost $8,635, and the Enid Park Board has pledged $4,000, so the group is attempting to raise the remainder, plus costs of lighting.

Anyone making a donation of $100 or more will be noted by a plaque on the rear of the sign. By comparison, Janzen said the signs on Garriott that announce the park cost about $18,000.

The sign is 12 feet long and 5 feet high and will be placed at the entrance of the park in the grassy area on the north east side near Dillingham Gardens.

“The city pool used to be at the park and the performing arts pavilion has a marker, but it’s not recognizable as an entrance designation to the park,” Janzen said.

The sign is the culmination of a three-year project by Friends of Government Springs and Enid Beautiful Inc. During that time, many designs were examined, including some raised signs. However, Janzen said they do not want to block a veterans memorial in the park.

The city of Enid has designated the area along the north oval through the park as a no-parking area.

Those who want to make a donation to the sign may send their payment to Enid Beautiful, Inc., P.O. Box 5674, Enid, OK 73702.

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