County, City Officials Coordinating on Phelps Celebration
The county also plans to update Phelps' plaque at Olympian Park.
When Michael Phelps comes home from the London Olympics, local officials are looking to welcome him in style.
Don Mohler, Baltimore County's chief of staff, said he "wouldn't rule anything in or out" when it comes to how to honor history's greatest Olympian, and that city and county officials are just getting off the starting blocks when it comes to honoring Phelps.
Mohler said the county is "working cooperatively" with Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake's office to coordinate plans to celebrate Phelps.
Officials said last week they may have to wait a while to get something set. After his return from a record eight gold medals in Beijing in 2008, it wasn't until that October when he was honored with an event at Fort McHenry and a parade down York Road in Towson.
"Once we get everyone in the room, we'll talk about what works for Michael, what works for his team and what we can pull off in the city and county," Mohler said.
Also on the docket is replacing Phelps' plaque at Olympian Park in Towson. That park opened in 2010 with plaques honoring the county's Olympic and Paralympic athletes. But county officials are mulling the idea of doing something extra for Phelps at the park.
"There probably should be something at Olympian Park that really stands out," said County Councilman David Marks. "All of those athletes did a lot of training and deserve accolades, but Michael Phelps really stands apart ... I'm not usually into sports, but I think this is certainly a moment of tremendous pride. He is the most famous resident this community's ever produced."
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JDStuts
9:56 am on Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Whatever they do should not cost the county one penny. Phelps net worth is estimated around $40 million from endorsement deals. Let Speedo, Visa, etc pick up the tab.
Its nice he swims fast but if he needs accolades he can foot the bill.
Besides, somewhere out there is a infant who will eventually smash all his records rendering him a footnote. That's life.
M. Sullivan
1:15 pm on Wednesday, August 8, 2012
How about a big 20 foot tall statue!
charles richardson
8:09 pm on Wednesday, August 8, 2012
The most decorated olympian of all time and there's a post that says don't spend a penny on honoring him. That might be the most ridiculous post I've ever read on this site. If it costs $10 or 20,000 so what. It's not a terrible thing to bring the community together, celebrate a world wide figure and give people a reason to feel good about themselves and the community he grew up in. He was educated in our schools, lived in our community and became the "face" of this years summers olympics. I feel very sorry for JDSTUTS, he or she must have had a horrible childhood. The world needs heroes, we have one. Let's celebrate, regardless of the cost.
M. Sullivan
8:24 am on Thursday, August 9, 2012
Yes, he is such a great role model for our kids with a DUI, dope smoking, lists his hobbies as watching TV and playing video games. But, he is the greatest swimmer of all time, that's all that's important.
JDStuts
9:12 am on Thursday, August 9, 2012
Most parents guide their children to emulate people whose actions have benefited others at great personal sacrifice. You know, the MLK's of the world.
Phelps happens to be good at exercising for which he is paid millions. He spends his free time buying expensive cars that he tricks out in an effort to project a 'gangster' image, smokes, drinks and has an affinity for strippers.
So, yeah, your parents must have done a number on you. Have you considered talking to a therapist?