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Arts commissioner proposes memorial near City Hall flagpole; commission to include project in 2027 plan
Summary
John Gerace, an arts commissioner, asked the Sammamish City Arts Commission to include a modest memorial near the City Hall flagpole in the 2027 public-art plan, proposing a phased RFP and fundraising approach because the project likely exceeds the commission's operating budget.
John Gerace, an arts commissioner, presented a proposal to the Arts Commission asking the city to consider creating a modest memorial near the City Hall flagpole to honor veterans, first responders and other community members who have lost their lives in service. "I do not have any intent for this to be a war monument," Gerace said, adding he envisions a respectful, low-maintenance marker or sculpture that the community would find meaningful. He said he has searched public records and did not find an existing Sammamish memorial of this type.
Commissioners discussed location, accessibility and design. Several members suggested keeping the piece simple and durable — for example, a sculpture with bronze plaques or an obelisk confined to the existing flower-bed squares — and raised concerns about ADA access and potential damage from the adjacent skate park. Gerace recommended an RFP process that could include modest artist compensation for concept work and phased implementation tied to the city's biennial budgeting process. "I would be happy to present this to council again," he said, adding that nonprofit partnerships and grant funding could help cover costs. The commission agreed to include the idea as a budget marker in the 2027 public-art plan and encouraged the public art committee to meet over the summer to prepare an ask package for Council consideration in September.
