Dripping Springs to install eclipse display at Veterans Memorial Park

DRIPPING SPRINGS — On Aug. 15, the Dripping Springs City Council unanimously approved the installation of an eclipse display at Veterans Memorial Park, located at 511 E. Mercer St.

The city will experience two eclipses over the next nine months: an annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14, 2023, and a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. To educate residents, businesses and visitors, city staff has launched a new website, implemented an eclipse task force that meets once a month for planning and is in the process of creating an Eclipse Ambassador Program to spread the word.

Previously at the July 18 council meeting, the Dripping Springs People & Communications Department recommended a display to be installed at Veterans Memorial Park not only as another education component, but to also provide a photo opportunity for residents and visitors.

“One of the biggest things that we are dealing with with the two eclipses that are coming up is education,” said People & Communications Director Lisa Sullivan. “We have seen a similar display done in 2017 and we thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool to bring something to the city that would be similar, that would give information on the inside on everything there is to know about eclipses in Dripping Springs and how to watch them safely?’ It would also be kind of an Instagram spot in Dripping Springs to highlight everything that’s happened.”

The council did not take any action on the item at the July 18 meeting, as members on the dais were concerned for those who may potentially be affected by the display, including the Dripping Springs Parks & Recreation Commission and veterans at the American Legion Post 290 who neighbor the park.

“I think it’s a great idea. I would just love to know that the various people who potentially would be affected or should have input, have given that input,” said council member Taline Manassian. “I think my preference would be to let them give input and bring it back. But I don’t have an objection. I hadn’t thought of it, I think it’s a kind of cool little draw for people.”

Mayor Bill Foulds said that they simply wanted to give the veterans a chance to provide feedback.

“We need to make sure they are aware and [see] if they express concerns. That’s going to elevate it to another level,” he said. “I think before something just shows up 10 feet away from their area, we owe them that [with] as much as they have done for us.”

“Let’s be good neighbors. It’s being neighborly [to] give them a heads up before just putting it there,” council member Travis Crow said.

Sullivan later confirmed at the Aug. 15 meeting that the Dripping Springs Farmer Market, Parks & Recreation Commission and the VFW and American Legion Posts are in approval of the project. Staff also met with the city engineer to ensure the display will be done to safety standards.

Because the eclipse display will be done in-house, city staff is hoping to keep the cost at a minimum; the city also hopes that there will be a sponsor to help cover the costs.

The display will be assembled in late August or September, just in time for the annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14, according to agenda documents.

“This is a great idea and the creativity is really awesome,” said Manassian at the Aug. 15 meeting.

To learn more about the eclipses anticipated for Dripping Springs, visit www.drippingeclipse.com.