Welcome to The American Dream City! On Thursday morning, city and community leaders celebrated the dedication of the City of Arlington's first Gateway Monument sign on Interstate 30.
The monument, located north of Randol Mill Park near the Fielder Road exit, stands 20 feet tall and reflects the City of Arlington's star logo. Located along one of the major gateways to Arlington's Entertainment District, the monument will be illuminated at night and has the ability to change colors for holidays and events, including when the Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Wings win their home games.
Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams praised the project, made possible by financial support from Keep Texas Beautiful and the Texas Department of Transportation.
"When people drive down Interstate 30, they know they have come into Arlington," Williams said during the dedication ceremony. "It is so important that we continue to foster that pride as we have new people move into our community as well as with all of the visitors who come here."
The $310,000 project was funded by the 2012 Keep Texas Beautiful Governor's Community Achievement Award, which was received by the Arlington Parks and Recreation Department. The grant was designated to be used for the beautification of local rights-of-ways. Construction was completed June 30.
"It has taken us a few years to get to this date and we are excited to have the first of hopefully seven signs located at major entry points to Arlington," said Gary Packan, Parks and Recreation assistant director.
"The sign is more a sculpture or piece of art based on how it was handcrafted," Packan added.
The steel structure was fabricated offsite and assembled on site. Contractor C. Green Scaping of Fort Worth poured the concrete foundation, Arc Enterprise fabricated and installed the star, and Arlington-based business 3DI Signs and Designs created the lettering, painted the monument and finished it off with lighting.
"The quality and versatility of the monument sign is remarkable, and it enhances the experience of travelers arriving in Arlington. The illumination variations allow the city to participate in various national celebrations," Councilman Charlie Parker said. "This gateway sign is a harbinger, announcing that you have arrived in The American Dream City."
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