UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The two flag poles prominently displayed on the Penn State University Park campus’ Old Main lawn are scheduled to be replaced this year. Removal of the existing poles is set to begin on Saturday, Feb. 10, weather permitting. Pedestrians may encounter temporary sidewalk closures and detours while equipment is operating in the area. 

The current poles, which fly the United States and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania flags, respectively, are each approximately 95-feet tall, inclusive of their stone bases. Due to their age and overall condition caused by weather, the poles and their stone bases have reached their end of life and are scheduled to be replaced.  

Following removal of the existing poles, the University will install temporary poles in the vicinity to ensure both flags continue to fly while work is performed to prepare the site for their permanent replacement. The new poles will be located in the same area as the existing poles and are tentatively scheduled to be installed this summer.