New entrance signs recently installed at Yellow Creek Park and Panther Creek Park are part of a broader effort by Daviess Fiscal Court to improve county park infrastructure and create long-term features residents and visitors can recognize and enjoy.
The project has drawn attention online in recent days, with some residents questioning the design and cost of the new signs. County officials said the work was prompted by the deteriorating condition of the previous signs, including storm damage at Panther Creek Park and extensive rot and warping at Yellow Creek Park.
According to information provided by Daviess County Treasurer Jordan Johnson, the county spent $51,675 on signage bases and entrance signs for three park entrances located at Yellow Creek and Panther Creek parks. Additional expenses included $3,000 for design services to Rita Kamuf Jacob’s, PLLC, and $750 in electrical work for future lighting, bringing the total project cost to $55,425.
County Commissioner and chair of the park board Larry Conder said discussions about replacing the signs began nearly two years ago following a windstorm that damaged the Panther Creek entrance sign.
“The need to replace the signs created an opportunity to think beyond repairs and consider what the park entrances could represent for the next 20 to 30 years,” Conder said.
Conder said the sign concepts were developed through discussions involving the county parks committee, park, and Fiscal Court staff, and local design professionals.
County officials said the old signs were in poor condition, with one damaged by storms and another so warped it had to be repaired before it could be relocated within the park.
Rather than discard the remaining wooden signage, county leaders chose to preserve portions of the parks’ history. The former Yellow Creek sign was moved near Pioneer Village, where officials hope it can continue serving as a recognizable gathering and photo-op location.
Artist William Maglinger, who painted the Yellow Creek entrance sign in 2004, said he was commissioned to create the artwork in a style similar to the Panther Creek sign painted by artist Rex Robinson.
“They wanted a sign in the style of Rex Robinson,” Maglinger said. “So I agreed to paint that for them.”
Maglinger said he was surprised to see the signs replaced, though he acknowledged the Yellow Creek sign had been relocated rather than discarded.
“It was up for about 22 years, so I’m not super hurt about it or anything,” Maglinger said. “But I guess I was a little surprised. I thought maybe they would consult me and ask me to repaint it or paint them a new one instead of just going with another kind of style.”
Judge-Executive Charlie Castlen said park improvements have become a greater priority for county government in recent years after long periods of deferred maintenance and limited investment.
“Parks was one of those issues that for a long period of time was basically the redheaded stepchild of county government,” Castlen said. “Now we’re trying to take care of the needs that needed to happen with our parks.”
Castlen pointed to ongoing investments, including restroom upgrades, shelter renovations, and expanded recreation opportunities such as pickleball courts.
“These parks can speak for themselves,” Castlen said. “We’ve invested heavily into the parks.”
County leaders said the improvements are intended to enhance both the visitor experience and long-term usability of the parks while creating a stronger first impression for residents and tourists entering the facilities.
Alongside the county-funded signage project, Commissioner Larry Conder and his wife, Rosemary, are privately donating large sculptures that will accompany the main entrances at Yellow Creek and Panther Creek parks. The metal sculptures are being commissioned through Yellow Banks Iron Works artist Chris Schartung and are not funded with taxpayer dollars.
The Conders said the sculptures are intended as a gift for residents and visitors and reflect their continued support of community projects and local organizations throughout Daviess County.
The Yellow Creek installation will feature a contemporary stainless steel tree sculpture incorporating an owl and banjo into the design as a nod to local wildlife and the region’s bluegrass music heritage. The Panther Creek sculpture will include a large butterfly element. Officials said the sculptures are being constructed with durable materials intended to remain part of the parks for decades.
County officials said the sculptures are still under construction and will be installed at a later date.
Additional improvements are planned for Yellow Creek Park in the coming months, including restroom upgrades near Pioneer Village.
County leaders said the broader goal of the investments is to continue improving public spaces and park amenities for residents and visitors.
“Parks are long-term community investments,” Conder said. “They create places where families and visitors can gather, enjoy recreation, experience art and events, and access opportunities that are available to everyone.”
