ATLANTA - As part of the continual attempts to beautify the town, the city of Atlanta is purchasing up to 10 new lampposts with the help of the community.

Residents have been invited to sponsor a lamppost, underwriting part of the purchase and installation costs.

"We thought it was a nice thing to have for the city and a good community project," says Alderman Billie Cheek.

The sponsorship costs $1,500 and may be made in memory or honor of a person or family. Each sponsored post will have a 5-by-7-inch plaque recognizing the donation.

So far the city has four sponsors.

At least six posts will be installed this summer, but that number could increase to 10 if enough residents donate. Six posts would be placed on Arch Street and two each on Vine and Race.

A-Team, the Atlanta community group that is marketing and promoting the sponsorships, has put up posters and spread the word about the donation program.

"We wanted to spruce up our part of Route 66," said A-Team member Bill Thomas. "We thought the lampposts would be a nice addition."

Other improvements in the works include night lighting for the mural on Arch Street and the Route 66 Park, the restoration of two bubbling fountains around the square, and a lot of flower planting. The night lighting for the mural and park is expected to be done in the next few weeks.

"We're amazed at the amount of tourists we have through here," Cheek says, "We're just trying to get the town looking nice."

For more information or to sponsor a post, call City Hall at (217) 648-2351.