Commission Approves Sage High School’s Pride Garden Proposal; staff to seek Port grant amendment

The Duvall Cultural Commission voted Jan. 12 to accept a proposal from Sage High School students to install a Pride Garden near the city’s visitor center, and authorized staff to pursue an amendment to an existing Port of Seattle grant to cover the work.

Students representing the Sage High School project told commissioners their group “voted to move forward with the Pride Garden concept,” describing options that included painted pots and flower plantings arranged in pride-flag colors. Staff said the Port of Seattle previously awarded $20,000 for visitor-center beautification and that matching city projects or internal allocations (approximately $20,000) would be needed to use the full grant cycle the commission is considering.

Commissioners discussed likely sites (visitor center, Big Rock, Gen Park), possible restrictions on plant types and benches, and who would handle site preparation and long-term maintenance. Commissioner comments emphasized engaging local gardeners and the high school horticulture club for planting and seasonal care; staff noted the city’s existing flower-pot program and summer-worker schedules as potential maintenance supports.

A commissioner moved to accept the proposal as presented; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. The transcript records ayes and the chair’s announcement that the motion passed; the meeting does not include a roll-call tally of individual votes. Staff said they will report the commission’s approval to city council and seek the Port of Seattle’s approval to reframe grant activities so the Pride Garden can be funded without a new appropriation.

The commission and staff asked the student group to provide design details and clarified procedural steps: if the Port approves the amendment, staff expected the item could proceed with council consent rather than a formal appropriation hearing, which would speed installation before the end of the school year. Commissioners also encouraged the students to schedule a workshop with local gardeners and artists for painting pots, selecting seasonally appropriate plants and confirming long-term stewardship.

Next steps: staff will follow up with the Port of Seattle on the possible grant amendment, advise council of the commission’s vote, and coordinate a volunteer and maintenance plan with the students and public-works staff.