Downtown Wakefield gets new sign

By RICHARD JENKINS

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Wakefield - Drivers on U.S. 2 in Wakefield may have recently noticed a new sign directing the way to Wakefield's historic downtown.

The sign is the latest project undertaken by the Wakefield Revitalization Committee.

Hanging at the intersection of U.S. 2 and M-28, by Club 28, the sign directs drivers toward the downtown area on Sunday Lake Street.

The committee chose a simple sign with a slightly historical look, according to committee chair Velda Sclafani, replacing the old, out-dated sign.

"The (the old sign) was a 1950s plastic thing they had up there for the downtown businesses," Sclafani said, adding that as there were no longer huge businesses downtown, the simple design seemed appropriate.

She also thanked Extreme Tool's Mike Zacharias for donating the funding for the sign, which was manufactured by Brad Schulze, of the Highline Corporation.

"We really appreciate Mike for his generous funding for the new signage. This is a step in the right direction for the beautification of Wakefield."

Sclafani said the sign is part of the ongoing effort by the committee to improve the city.

"If you get your citizens excited, it just brings the whole community together to get things done," she said. "That's what you really need."

The committee is also working on building a "grand entrance sign" near Sunday Lake on M-28 and a facade grant program.