Sandpoint commission approves acquisition and refurbishment plan for wooden Lake Pendry sign

On July 8, 2025, the Sandpoint Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation Commission voted to procure a wooden Lake Pendry sign from the local museum, refurbish it and install it at City Park.

Commission members said the sign measures roughly 4 feet by 5 feet, weighs more than 100 pounds and is currently stored behind the museum. Commission members described the sign as in generally good shape but needing surface retouching; members said a broken chain had previously caused it to fall. Commissioners discussed the need for a secure mount—such as a concrete post or footing—at the proposed display site.

Commissioners discussed possible locations including a boat-launch ramp near the Windbag sailboat marina and a city beach sign near the pump house on Bridge Street. Commission staff noted the sign is large enough to require multiple people and vehicle access at the museum’s rear for removal and transport; storing the sign at the city shop while refurbishment is arranged was suggested.

The commission formally moved to procure the sign from the museum, develop a refurbishment plan and pursue installation at City Park. A motion to that effect was seconded and carried without opposition.

Commissioners said they would convene a small volunteer work group to handle repainting and retouch work and would follow up on logistics, storage, and the concrete mounting required for a permanent installation. The commission did not specify a refurbishment budget or a firm installation date at the meeting.

Background: the sign had been on display at the Chamber of Commerce location for many years before removal; commission members said they accepted the sign after the museum indicated it planned to discard or replace the piece.