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Washburn Life weighs $10,000 Light Up Washburn fund and plans subcommittee after solar-panel vandalism
Summary
Board members reported over $10,000 in Light Up Washburn funds, described vandalism that removed roughly 10 solar panels from decorations, and agreed to form a subcommittee to develop more permanent lighting options and a plan for using funds.
Board members reported the Light Up Washburn fund totals more than $10,000 and discussed options to protect and upgrade seasonal lighting after vandalism to solar-powered fixtures.
Stacy Burby described the damage: "they ripped out all those solars," noting roughly 10 solar panels were removed from decorations. Members said that relying solely on solar fixtures makes the program vulnerable and discussed exploring hardwired or commercially installed lighting, music-synced displays and year-round features used in other towns.
The board agreed to create a subcommittee (currently Stacy Burby and a volunteer named Mark) to walk the town, research ideas and return proposals. The group tentatively scheduled a planning meeting for 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 15; members discussed possible coordination with the city for power access and considered using lodging tax dollars for broader tourism signage.
Why it matters: More permanent, durable lighting could reduce repetitive repair costs and make Washburn a seasonal draw, but changes may require city coordination, capital expense and volunteer time. The board aims to prioritize repairs for the park’s first phase and to identify sustainable installation options.
