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Tumwater commission approves carved sandstone sign for Union Cavalry Pioneer Cemetery after grant award
Summary
The commission accepted a $3,566 grant to replace a rotting cedar cemetery sign and voted to upgrade the planned recycled‑plastic marker to carved sandstone after receiving a quote from stone carvers; site constraints and costs were discussed and the motion passed by voice vote.
Tumwater’s Historic Preservation Commission voted April 16 to replace a rotting cedar sign at the Union Cavalry Pioneer Cemetery and approved moving forward with a carved sandstone marker after accepting a $3,566 grant that covers the city’s typical park sign cost.
Staff told the commission the grant would cover a recycled‑plastic sign normally used in city parks. Stone carvers who attended a recent site visit proposed a carved sandstone alternative with a higher estimated cost — the carvers’ figure discussed during the meeting was about $6,000 for a hand‑carved and installed sandstone marker. Commissioners weighed the aesthetic and preservation benefits of sandstone against the additional cost and constraints at the site, including ground‑penetrating‑radar results showing known burials near the front slope.
Commissioners asked staff to check specific placement to minimize disturbance to known graves and to confirm the installation method (rebar to secure base). During discussion one commissioner suggested applying roughly $2,500 from commission funds to move the project from the basic recycled‑plastic design to a carved sandstone marker; the motion to approve the sandstone design was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
Staff said they will follow up with cost quotes and site evaluation to confirm exact placement and installation details and will coordinate procurement and scheduling with the parks/recreation manager who applied for the grant.
The commission also discussed broader signage work across city parks, noting a gradual rollout of the new city logo and materials using recycled plastic for durability; commissioners said carved stone may be appropriate at historic sites but required additional budget and site review.
