Cedar Crest High SAGE group proposes pride installations; city outlines approvals, sites and costs

Students from Cedar Crest High School’s SAGE (sexual and gender equality) group presented ideas to the Duvall Cultural Commission for permanent and temporary pride installations, including painted crosswalks, a pride garden, temporary eco‑friendly trail markings and flags. The group sought city feedback on feasibility and next steps.

City staff explained the standard approval path for public art: the Cultural Commission reviews concepts, refines them with the applicant and makes a recommendation to city council; council approval is required before the city implements permanent installations. Staff told the students that some locations are outside city authority: any crosswalks on Highway 203 require state approval and the Snoqualmie River Trail is under King County jurisdiction, so those locations are not within the city’s unilateral control.

Staff suggested alternative sites the city can approve, including Taylor Park, Depot areas and a small micro park near Safeway. The commission proposed expanding ideas beyond painted surfaces — for example, a ‘pride garden’ with plants in representative colors or three‑dimensional public art that incorporates pride colors — to reduce the risk of painted work being removed or repainted.

Commissioners discussed costs and timing: staff said murals typically run about $5,000 and that a mural or painted crosswalk requires planning, public‑works design support and good weather; July or August is the likeliest time to complete an exterior mural if the selection process and permitting are completed in time. Staff also warned that the city plans a comprehensive sidewalk ADA releveling project in 2026 and recommended choosing flat sidewalks unlikely to be replaced. If the commission or the city adds a new art installation to the city budget outside the current biennial plan, a budget amendment would be required.

The city also discussed maintenance: once a project becomes a city asset it typically transfers to city maintenance (watering, weeding, cleaning), so project proposals should include maintenance plans and expectations. Staff encouraged the student group to develop three concept options and three potential locations to present to the commission and later to city council. Staff offered to help the group present to the Chamber of Commerce and to a business outreach slot to recruit local business support.

Students and commissioners agreed to continue working with staff between meetings; no council or commission votes were taken at the meeting.