Centralia City Council celebrates community events and launches downtown flower crawl initiative

During the recent Centralia City Council meeting held on April 23, 2025, council members shared updates on community events and initiatives, highlighting a sense of pride and progress within the city. The meeting served as a platform for councilors to reflect on recent activities and discuss upcoming events that aim to enhance community engagement and beautification.

Councilor Gariby opened the reports by mentioning a successful Stations of the Cross event attended by high school students, emphasizing the positive participation and enthusiasm from the youth. This event underscores the importance of community involvement in local traditions and activities.

Councilor Wesley reported on attending a memorial service for former Lewis County Sheriff Bill Logan, where he received numerous compliments about the city’s progress from attendees outside Centralia. This feedback reflects a growing recognition of the city council's efforts and the positive changes occurring within the community.

In a bid to promote local businesses and celebrate spring, Councilor Altauser announced the first-ever Flower Crawl scheduled for May 10. This event encourages residents to explore downtown Centralia, enjoy special deals, and participate in a Mother's Day giveaway, all while supporting local vendors. Additionally, a spring cleanup event is planned for May 4, inviting community members to help beautify the downtown area.

Councilor Chapman highlighted the recent installation of shared bike lane markings on U Street, which enhances safety and accessibility for cyclists. This development is part of a broader initiative to improve multimodal transportation options in Centralia, making the city more welcoming for alternative means of transport.

The meeting also touched on the final acceptance of turf fields funded partly by ARPA money, marking a significant investment in community infrastructure. Council members expressed optimism about ongoing projects, including the Hub City Greenways vision, which aims to integrate trails and enhance the city’s natural resources.

Overall, the meeting reflected a strong sense of community pride and a commitment to ongoing development in Centralia. As council members continue to engage with residents and promote local initiatives, the city appears poised for further growth and improvement in the coming months.