Arts Council backs adding service‑branch plaques, seeks guidelines; staff advises against replacing pergola canvas

A Mercer Island resident and Vietnam veteran urged the Arts Council to clarify maintenance and appropriate uses for the Veterans Pergola at Mercerdale Park during the Oct. 15 meeting, and the council provided direction to staff on plaques, temporary displays and the pergola’s canvas cover.

Bob Harper, who identified himself as a Mercer Island resident and Vietnam veteran during the public‑appearance segment, said he found the pergola’s white canvas cover removed and a black mesh substitute installed, and that the mesh had covered service branch logos. He said the pergola “was a city asset and 1 that should be maintained in good condition by the city and not the responsibility of the art council.”

Katie…