Gary Oak Society proposes new plantings, historic nominations for Oak Harbor’s 110th

The Oak Harbor Garry Oak Society presented a slate of volunteer‑funded projects to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission on Jan. 13, 2025, asking the city to partner on new tree plantings, interpretive signage and historic nominations tied to the city’s 110th anniversary.

The society’s presentation, delivered by Kyle, a founding member and director of special projects for the Oak Harbor Garry Oak Society, outlined several initiatives: planting a second phase at Centennial Grove with locally sourced seedlings and acorns donated by the society; participation in the city’s tree plan; an April 12 ribbon‑cutting and plaque installation at Smith Park; and nominations of two pieces of public art—the Flintstone car and the Holland Gardens windmill—for local and state heritage registers. Kyle said the society will provide materials and most funding for the projects and asked only for limited city labor support.

Why it matters: organizers and commissioners said the projects are intended to boost park use, expand heritage tourism and make Oak Harbor eligible for additional preservation grants if the nominations succeed. The society argued the additions would use existing park infrastructure and attract visitors without a major new city capital request.

Details of the proposals

Planting and Centennial Grove: Kyle said the society wants to plant the next phase of oaks at Centennial Grove, continuing a multi‑phase plan begun a decade earlier. “We would love to donate the materials, the seedlings, and acorns to be able to do that,” Kyle told the commission, adding the society now grows many of its own seedlings. He said the prior phase drew local media coverage and community donations.

Smith Park plaque and event: The society asked the city to allow installation of a foundry‑cast plaque near the three‑panel interpretive sign at Smith Park and proposed a public ceremony on April 12 at 1 p.m. Kyle said the plaque and small refreshments would be funded by society donors and supporters; city crews had already prepared a small plaza expansion where the rock and plaque will be installed.

Historic nominations and signage: Kyle asked the commission to support nominations of the Flintstone car (circa 1950s–1964) and the Holland Gardens windmill (built 1971) to Oak Harbor’s local heritage register and the Washington State heritage register. He described the Flintstone car as likely the town’s oldest surviving piece of public art of its kind and said a state or national listing could unlock grant opportunities. The society also volunteered to help fund Brown Island historic site signs and to provide interpretive signs for other nominated sites.

Funding and city role

Kyle repeatedly said the society expects to fund materials and signage, asking the city primarily for limited installation labor and permission to move forward with nominations and interpretive materials. For the Holland Gardens windmill, he said a local family has pledged to pay for an interpretive sign.

Commission reaction and next steps

Commissioners thanked the society for the overview and asked staff to coordinate next steps. Councilmember Eric Marshall and several commissioners expressed support for exploring the Holland Gardens and Flintstone nominations and for collaboration on the city tree plan. Commission staff said formal nomination materials (a longer historical narrative and photos) will be shared with the commission and city staff as they are prepared.

The presentation did not include any formal vote. Society representatives and staff agreed to continue coordination and to bring nomination packets and logistical details back to the commission and, when appropriate, to city council.