Local donor offers $22,000 to refurbish ‘Welcome to Goldendale’ arch; council gives consensus to proceed

Brian Paul, a Goldendale resident who identified himself as a surgical technologist and medical assistant, told the City Council on Jan. 6 he will donate “22,000 plus dollars” to fully refurbish the downtown “Welcome to Goldendale — Sportsman’s Paradise” archway.

Paul presented renderings and said he wants the sign to retain its original character while using modern materials so the work lasts decades. He said Cascade Sign and Fabrication — represented on the call by Jason Jones — would fabricate a single molded sign face with printed, laminated, sign-grade vinyl graphics and no attached letters. “That is why I wanna donate to 22,000 plus dollars to have that sign completely refurbished,” Paul said.

The council’s discussion focused on preserving the sign’s historic charm, coordinating colors with recent downtown improvements, and avoiding added structural weight that would require engineering work. Council Member Danielle (first name used in the meeting) said she favored retaining the “Sportsman’s Paradise” language for historical continuity and suggested matching the sign’s blue to recently installed downtown benches and trash receptacles. Jason Jones, the sign fabricator, said the proposed laminated, sign‑grade vinyl is expected to provide “a pretty good amount of longevity,” and that the material and manufacturing choices were made to maximize life span in exterior conditions.

Several council members and community speakers raised related concerns: the reader-board (changeable message) currently on the archway, whether any new lighting should be added (engineers estimated backlighting and electrical work could cost several times more), and which local groups needed to sign off. Tayo, who identified themself as a Chamber of Commerce representative, said the Chamber will review the proposal at its board meeting and requested to be included in further discussions. Council members also noted a local engineer’s advice not to add weight to the arch structure.

Mayor (name not specified) and council members took a formal consensus rather than a roll-call motion. Council members present signaled support to move forward with the project subject to additional coordination on color, the reader-board, and property-owner or partner approvals. The council asked project leads to return with any updated designs and a final recommendation at the Feb. 3 council meeting; the mayor and several council members asked that the project team convene quick follow-ups with the Chamber, Art at the Heart (local arts organization), and other stakeholders before that date.

The council also discussed a timeline: several members requested that the project team have “ducks in a row” by the end of the month and to present a conclusion at the Feb. 3 meeting. No binding contract or city expenditure was approved at this meeting; the donor offered to fund the work and the council gave direction to proceed with community coordination and finalization of design details.

The presentation concluded with council consensus to continue, and several residents and local artists spoke in appreciation of the project during the public comment and presentation periods.

Ending: City staff and the donor will continue coordination with the Chamber, Art at the Heart, and the sign company; the council expects a final recommendation or updated materials at the Feb. 3 meeting.