Slippery Rock Mayor Jondavid Longo has set his sight on the horizon, where he hopes to see the installation of a 40-by-80-foot American flag before Independence Day.

The flag and 150-foot flagpole would be placed on Manning Way in Slippery Rock Park and will be seen by surrounding communities such as Grove City, Harrisville and Forrestville, Longo said.

“I drew inspiration from my patriotism, and the beautiful flag on the banks of the river in Rochester, Pa. that I got to enjoy growing up,” the Marine said. “Driving into Slippery Rock every day, I couldn’t help but think how much more beautiful our sky would look with a flag waving.”

The mayor first proposed the idea in 2020, but due to complications posed by COVID-19, the project was postponed. The new goal, according to Longo, is to have the flagpole, illumination, and surrounding landscaping completed by Slippery Rock’s Independence Day Celebration on July 2.

“Now that things have started opening up, it’s a good opportunity to push this project forward,” he said. “This has the unanimous support of the borough council and Slippery Rock Parks and Recreation board.”

The project will cost $100,000, with funds built in for beautification of the area and upkeep. Businesses and organizations such as Ginger Hill Tavern, North Country Brewery and Butler County Tourism Bureau have already pledged donations.

Longo said he has asked VFW Post 6231 to handle the donations, as it previously handled fundraising for the Independence Day Celebration fireworks.

“We’re trying to put a system in place for people to earn recognition on the beautification of the area. For example, patio bricks with names of the donors might be added with a certain donation amount,” he said.

Those interested in donating toward the project can go online to www.paypal.com/paypalme/vfwpost6231 and leave a note with their donation saying “FLAG.”