Moraine council votes to change Payne Recreation Center signage to 'Moraine Rec Center'

The Moraine Committee of the Whole voted to change public-facing signage to emphasize the city name by rebranding the Payne Recreation Center as the "Moraine Rec Center," council members said.

Members discussed preserving historical recognition for the Payne and Gebhart families with interior plaques or naming rooms in their honor while simplifying exterior signage so outsiders more readily identify city facilities. Council members said a new sign at the civic center already reads "Moraine Civic Center," and staff noted a previously planned sign replacement for the Rec Center had been deferred pending a broader parks master plan; funds for a sign update are in this year's budget. After brief discussion about timing and how to honor the families, the council held a voice vote and then a roll-call confirmation; all members recorded support for the change.

Council members asked staff to proceed with updating signage when appropriate and to retain internal commemorative plaques to acknowledge the Payne and Gebhart contributions. The vote was taken during the Committee of the Whole and recorded as unanimous.