Historic Downtown Triangle Gets New Signs

Sometimes it just takes a sign to point you in the right direction. Now, thanks to new directional signage, residents and visitors have a better way of finding the historic downtown Triangle in Waukee.

In late July, more than 40 purple-hued triangular signs were placed in and around Waukee directing traffic to the downtown district at Sixth and Walnut streets.  It was all thanks to the ingenuity of the 2011 graduating class of the Waukee Leadership Institute.

The Institute, founded in 2006, promotes leadership through educational and informational forums that assist dedicated individuals to learn, grow and lead, hopefully in the city of Waukee.

Since 2006, the Institute has graduated 76 students, many of whom have become active in city government, the Waukee Chamber of Commerce, the Waukee Economic Development Corporation, school board and even the library.

Randy Yontz, director and president of the Waukee Leadership Institute, says the Institute’s mission is to develop homegrown leaders and encourage them to become active in their community. The impetus for it came at a time when leaders seemed few and far between.

“Prior to 2006, there was a school board and city council election and only two people ran that year,” said Yontz. “At the time, Waukee was really starting to grow and we thought, We really have to do something about this. We thought a leadership program would be a good way to introduce potential leaders to the community.”

Chad Airhart, a first year graduate of the Waukee Leadership Institute, attributes what he learned to his current success. Airhart, a former executive director of the Waukee Chamber of Commerce and member of the Waukee Planning and Zoning commission, was elected as Dallas County Recorder in 2010.

“I was fairly new to Waukee when I was encouraged to take the class,” he said. “I didn’t know a lot of people, and it opened up many doors for me to get involved and make a difference. It was well worth the time and investment.”

One of the requirements of the Waukee Leadership Institute is participation in a final class project. Class members are encouraged to brainstorm ideas that will somehow enhance the city of Waukee. 

Cy Phillips, a real estate agent and member of the 2011 graduating class, helped spearhead the directional signage project for the Triangle. He said the impetus for the project was simply to bring attention to one of Waukee’s greatest assets.

“Being an agent, I drive people around these neighborhoods and I’m always surprised that so many people don’t even realize the Triangle exists,” he said. “People consider Valley Junction West Des Moines’ hidden gem. The Triangle is Waukee’s hidden gem. Without those signs, some people wouldn’t even know it’s there.”

Phillips said the class raised over $5,000 in donations from residents and business owners to fund the project.  

The Waukee Leadership Institute is currently taking applications for the 2011-2012 session. Classes meet once a month beginning on Sept. 8 and culminate with a graduation ceremony on May 10, 2012.