The Mill Street Bridge Commemorative Sign Program will return to the iconic Mill Street Bridge this summer. After a brief hiatus due to an improvement project in 2022-2023, the program opened again last summer. This program is extremely popular, with over 300 participants annually, each sponsoring a memorial sign that hangs between the flower planters lining the bridge each spring/summer.
The program, a collaborative effort between the Village of Montgomery Public Works Department and the volunteer-led Montgomery Beautification Committee, aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal of public spaces while promoting environmental sustainability and community engagement. The program fosters a sense of pride and unity among residents and visitors alike.
"We are happy to have the signs return to the bridge on Mill Street," said Executive Assistant of the Public Works Department, Renee Mason. "This program allows residents to honor loved ones through commemorative signage." For several years, Mason has been at the heart of the project, assisting in coordinating the efforts of hanging hundreds of commemorative signs each year.
The Friends of the Mill Street Bridge Commemorative Sign Program invites residents, businesses, and community groups to participate in beautification by purchasing signs with customized messages. The money collected through this program helps fund the overall upkeep of the bridge's floral planter boxes. In addition to adding visual appeal to the Village, the flower planters serve as a habitat for pollinators, contributing to the area's ecological health.
Registration for the Friends of the Mill Street Bridge Commemorative Sign Program is open through May 1. Those interested can support this initiative and honor a loved one, family member, or momentous occasion with a personalized sign adorning the bridge. Registration forms are available on the Village website or can be picked up from the Village Hall (200 N. River St.) during regular business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00A to 4:30P. For more information or to inquire about the program, contact the Public Works Department at 331-212-9044 or email rmason@montgomeryil.org.