Lacey commission backs broad inventory approach for historic markers and interpretive signs

The Lacey Historic Commission on March 18 discussed plans to create a comprehensive, public-facing inventory and map layer of the city’s historic markers, plaques and interpretive signs and asked staff to develop clear definitions and a durable data structure for the project.

Jen Burbage, director of parks, culture and recreation, told commissioners the project is on the commission’s work plan and that staff will produce a list of candidate markers, photographic documentation and a web map layer. “We would want to define the radius or the boundaries, like, how far out are you wanting to include historic sites? We would need photography of all the locations and making sure that they’re there and that there’s no damages,” Burbage said.

Commissioners debated how broad the inventory should be. Some members urged a wide scope that includes historic sites, interpretive signs, plaques and park-related locations so the resource would serve visitors and residents; others urged limiting initial work to what the commission can sustain. One commissioner recommended using the urban growth area (UGA) as a practical geographic boundary.

Staff committed to add addresses to the meeting slides and circulate the presentation and location list after the meeting. Commissioners asked for a data structure that can support both an interactive online map and occasional printed materials. Volunteers were requested to help photograph sites, confirm conditions and find historic photos to supplement the inventory.

The commission did not take a formal vote on a final scope but approved next steps: staff will prepare the inventory, add addresses to slides, publish the candidate list online and return with refined definitions and proposed data categories at a future meeting. The presentation and slides will be posted to the city’s meeting link and emailed to commissioners.