SVI FILE PHOTO

By Amy Peck

The Cokeville Beautification Committee Chair, Ashbee Thompson, presented during the April 14, Town Council Meeting that they have been in touch with the mural artist, and they will be starting the mural in May instead of June. The committee showed a rendering of the mural, many had ideas of adjustments that could be made so there will be a public meeting on May 1 at 4 p.m. at the Cokeville Town Hall to discuss the adjustments. The mural is being funded by the Semiquincentennial grant that was being offered by the state of Wyoming under the direction of the Wyoming Semiquincentennial Task Force.

Insights from the committee workshop held to discuss the survey results were also presented by the Beautification Committee that they and the Logan-based company Utah Brand Design put together. From the question about what makes Cokeville meaningfully different; the top 5 differentiators were: Freedom to live a simpler life, safety and trust that is felt daily, a home where people are known, authentic connection to the land and stewardship of future generations.

They took responses during the workshop and built a branding statement: “Cokeville is a home where families and individuals belong, offering a simpler, more intentional way of living- where community pride, safety and connection to the land aren’t ideals, but our everyday reality.”

Currently the tag line for Cokeville is “Welcome to the Open Range” part of the survey was to gauge if that is still the direction the citizens would like to see carried forward as the tag line. There is currently a Facebook poll about other possibilities. Those suggested are: “Come Home to the Open Range”, “Always Good to Be Home” and “Built on Belonging”. The tagline was originally to be included in part of the mural project but at the council meeting it was decided that the tagline would be left off so it can continue to be explored.

Thompson also presented two different styles of street signs the committee researched and agreed would be a good fit for the town. Wayfinding signage was also presented, showing both Highway 30 and in town possibilities. The town and Beautification Committee have been working together on this project to appropriately use impact fees for the updating of signage for the Town of Cokeville.

Also announced by Thompson, a town painting and trivia night will be held June 3. More details will be announced as the event gets closer.