Foley City Council Approves Permanent Markers For Downtown Entertainment Zone
The new blue and yellow markers will replace temporary stencils painted on sidewalks when the district launched.
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley's downtown Arts and Entertainment District is getting a visible upgrade. The Foley City Council has approved new pre-printed thermal markers to replace the old stenciled sidewalk signs. The markers will indicate where the district's boundaries begin and end. City leaders say the change signals how far downtown Foley has come.
The original stencils were painted on the sidewalks when the district was first created. Mayor Ralph Hellmich explained that those signs were always intended to be temporary. The city wanted to wait and see whether the district would succeed before spending money on something more permanent.
"When the downtown Arts and Entertainment District was created, we put it on the probationary period," Hellmich said. "They did not want to invest in expensive signs if the entertainment district wasn't going to last. Now we know that it will. It's been well received by everybody. We need to make these more permanent. It will look better and be much more visible."
The new markers are made of a non-slip material. They feature blue and yellow colors designed to stand out on sidewalks. Darrelyn Dunmore, executive director of Foley Main Street, said the markers will serve as a more recognizable symbol for the district than the stenciled signs ever were.
Foley Main Street is the city's downtown improvement association. The group developed the Arts and Entertainment District to promote businesses in Foley's historic downtown. The district allows customers at participating restaurants and bars to carry their drinks outside the businesses.
Drink cups used within the district must display a sticker featuring the Arts and Entertainment District emblem. Dunmore said that demand for those stickers has increased recently. She said that this growing interest proves that the program has connected with people in the community.
Hellmich also praised Foley Main Street's work to strengthen the area over time. He said the organization plays a key role in keeping downtown active and welcoming for residents and visitors alike.
"They are doing an incredible job," Hellmich said. "Main Street is an incredible glue that holds downtown together. We're going to continue to improve downtown and support our businesses. It's just really a vibrant area now and where people want to go."
The district was created to bring more business and activity to downtown Foley. It was also intended to foster community engagement and support cultural events in the city's historic center. Based on public response, city officials believe those goals are being met.
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