Council donates up to $1,500 to help complete Planet Walk placards

The Escanaba City Council voted March 21 to provide a modest donation of up to $1,500 to the Delta Astronomical Society to help complete replacement of the city’s Planet Walk placards.

Dan Young, who identified himself as newsletter editor and a member of the Delta Astronomical Society, told council the original 2002 installation has worn and become partly outdated. He said the new placards are completed, cost about $5,000 to install, and that the society had $885 cash on hand plus pledges leaving roughly $800 still to raise. Young asked the council for support with finishing costs and with pedestal repairs caused by a snowplow incident.

A councilor suggested the expense could be added to the city’s community promotional or tourism budget as a small amendment. A motion to donate up to $1,500 to the society (to cover the gap and contingencies) was moved, seconded and approved unanimously.

Councilors and the presenter noted the project’s tourism benefit and local pride; staff said the city’s in‑kind installation assistance could also help complete the walk in time for the summer season.