To the editor:

I grew up in Fort Dodge and now live in Sioux City. Over the last couple of years I’ve followed the development of the grain elevator mural with interest. This week, I finally had an opportunity to stop by and see it in person. The mural is, indeed, impressive. What was not impressive is the lack of effort to make the site visitor friendly and a real tourist draw. I can’t imagine any community not doing so and using this site to create a positive impression of the community. Here are some suggestions:

1) provide more parking, 2) provide directional signage to the mural site from both Highway 20 and 169 and from downtown and Fifth Avenue South, 3) the green area around the mural should be visitor friendly. Today it is a weedy area with an uneven surface. Someone (city, Chamber, service club or other group) should adopt the area, landscape it, provide benches, etc., 4) install a signage kiosk with information about the mural and the artist, 5) print and make brochures available at the kiosk cross promoting the Fort, Blandon, trail system, parks, etc.

Fort Dodge, you have a treasure in your midst — don’t squander the opportunity to promote it and use I to promote the City’s other assets.

Robert DeSmidt

Sioux City, formerly of Fort Dodge