Tumwater commission considers large 'College Trail' and historic‑highway signage plan

The Tumwater Historic Preservation Commission on Nov. 20 heard a presentation proposing a citywide program of 'College Trail' and historic-highway signs to mark Indigenous trails, early‑settler routes and local landmarks.

The proposal, presented by David (first referenced in the record as David McHenry) with assistance from Darlene, would place repeated markers at key approach points — including the southern and northern gateways, the Davis‑Meeker oak near the airport, school frontages, the Bush homestead vicinity, and at Brewery Falls Park — to create a consistent place‑name impression for drivers and residents. A resident, Eric Johansson, urged the commission to recognize tribal connections to the Cowlitz/College Trail and recommended reaching out to multiple tribes for input on wording and locations.

Commissioners and staff discussed practical limits: permitting through the city transportation department, the street department’s allowance for roadside signage, long‑term maintenance, and costs. Participants noted that simple roadway signs are lower‑maintenance than kiosks, while more elaborate interpretive panels that provide deeper context were discussed as costing roughly $5,000–$6,000 each according to meeting remarks. Commissioners flagged staffing constraints and unclear city budget authority as hurdles to broad deployment.

The presenters said the proposed program could be phased if funding or street‑department approval limits the total number of installed markers; when asked which locations would be highest priority in a reduced program they listed the southern and northern gateways, the Bush farmstead oak, and two elementary schools (Peter G. Schmidt and Michael T. Simmons) as top candidates. Presenters also described using a linked website or QR references to offer expanded interpretation without requiring space‑intensive kiosks.

The commission discussed coordination opportunities with state projects — including interpretive signage associated with dam removal and boardwalk work in Historic Park — and with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife work in the falls area; staff said some previously designed interpretive signs exist but were not included in earlier budgets. Several commissioners recommended inviting Bill Lindauer from the Transportation Department and a city community development representative to a future work session to review permitting and cost issues.

No formal motion on the signage program was made at the Nov. 20 meeting; commissioners agreed to continue discussion at a future meeting (the record shows the group intends to pause in December and reconvene on a date in January or later for additional planning and to invite relevant city staff and stone carvers).