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PROVO — One Utah city just can't wait for international athletes to return to its streets in 2034.
Provo renamed Seven Peaks Boulevard to Olympic Boulevard early this week, just in time for the Olympic announcement party Wednesday.
"I think for a lot of people, it was kind of a fun surprise to see that," said Gordon Haight, Provo's public works director.
Olympic Boulevard signs are blue, rather than the usual green, and have the Olympic rings on them. The boulevard runs north to south in front of the Peaks Ice Arena that was a 2002 Winter Olympics venue and will be part of the 2034 Games.
The city also stenciled Olympic rings on streets around the city to celebrate. People can spot them on Center Street and Olympic Boulevard, but Haight says more will be added over the next 10 years.
Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi was the one who first suggested renaming the street. The city looked into details, ensuring any homes and businesses along the road could easily make the switch and that navigation tools and emergency services could get on board.
Haight hopes the name change will help visitors feel excited.
"Everybody that was involved in 2002 just knows how much fun it was … how much it brings the community together," he said.
"Each city is going to have its own character and unique way of doing it," Haight said. "If other cities choose to rename streets, I think that's great, but they're all doing fun things."
Olympic Boulevard is still Seven Peaks Boulevard on Google and Apple Maps. The name should be updated soon.
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