Poughkeepsie’s Newest Structure/Sign is Something Special

A new structure/sign that recently appeared in the middle of a traffic circle in Poughkeepsie, New York has been identified and it has special meaning.

Last week we shared information about a new structure/sign that I noticed in the middle of a traffic circle on the north side of Poughkeepsie, NY during my morning commute to work last week. After posting a few pictures I asked if anyone had any information about the new structure or anything else that might explain what it actually is. As the saying goes, "You ask and you receive"....LOL!

Meanings Behind Poughkeepsie's Newest Sign/Structure

After receiving numerous messages from folks from Poughkeepsie about the new structure we have discovered that not only does the traffic circle structure have special meaning but the traffic circle itself is also extremely special and has been something the Poughkeepsie Alliance (PA) has been working on for years. It all started back in 2017 when the Poughkeepsie Alliance announced they had received "initial capital for multiple projects in Poughkeepsie." A committee of Poughkeepsie community members was formed to review ideas for the projects and after much consideration, they announced that there would be three projects that would be centered around the addition of the new roundabout at Smith Street and Creek Road.

Poughkeepsie Traffic Circle Projects

The PA committee announced that project #1 would be to name the roundabout in memory of a local man who died while serving his country. The community was saddened in 2017 when we learned that U.S. Navy Petty Officer Corey Ingram died while serving on the USS John McCain. To honor and remember Corey the Poughkeepsie Alliance announced that the circle will forever be known as the Corey Ingram Circle according to a press release. A special memorial marker has been constructed in his honor and placed at the north end of the roundabout and will be coupled with a flagpole.

Project #2 would welcome the "Poughkeepsie Champions Walk" which would celebrate Poughkeepsie's "Champions" in an interesting way and also provide

"a durable, low maintenance, significant entrance to the City of Poughkeepsie, and to help inspire youth - especially neighboring youth from the Northside to follow the legacy of community leaders."

The five initial champions were chosen and had their photos, names, and biographies laser cut and drilled into 8-foot tall vertical Corten Steel markers. The markers were unveiled at a preliminary groundbreaking and convocation ceremony at the Corey Ingram Circle on Saturday, June 18, 2022. Over the years more "champions" will be added to the display.

Poughkeepsie Roundabout Centerpiece

The final project would focus on the center of the roundabout and include a sign that signifies entering the northern part of Poughkeepsie and would "celebrate the identity of Poughkeepsie." After looking at a series of designs organizers decided to "consolidate all of them into an illuminated series of Corten steel fins that each holds a letter of Poughkeepsie as you drive around the traffic circle."

SEE ALSO: Something is Wrong at This Poughkeepsie Intersection

Corey Ingram Circle, Poughkeepsie

As the project nears completion they will be holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Corey Ingram Circle, Poughkeepsie, on February 29, 2024, at 11 a.m. Everyone is invited and if the weather doesn't cooperate they will relocate the ceremony to the Boys and Girls Club, 221 Smith Street.