The Stearns Park Committee has adopted some new guidelines for displaying banners inside the park in downtown Columbus. Because of the demand and the increased number of banners, the committee felt it necessary to create some limitations for the park. These rules go into effect on Jan. 1, 2011.

The members of the Stearns Committee developed the following set of guidelines for organizations planning to display a banner or temporary sign.

Only nonprofit organizations in Polk County (including government entities) will be permitted to erect banners or signs in Stearns Park. No commercial or political signs can be erected.

Only two banners or signs can be erected in the park at any given time period. Signs will be allowed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

No banner (sign) may exceed 10 feet in length and 3 feet in width.

Banners or signs cannot be erected for more than 30 days before an event. Failure to comply will result in the banner or sign being removed.

All signs should be taken down within seven days after the event. It is the responsibility of the sponsoring organization to remove the signs.

Applications for banner placement can be acquired by contacting the county managers office in the Womack Building across from the courthouse in Columbus.

We want Stearns Park to continue to be one of Columbus prettier assets, said John Vining, committee chairman. With the increased size and number of banners, the committee felt that some sort of banner policy needed to be implemented to keep the natural surroundings of the park.