Chamber proposes private-funded Walk of Fame for Cougar Plaza; city process and permits remain

Pete Chittons, executive director of the Pullman Chamber of Commerce, presented a concept to relocate and reimagine the downtown Walk of Fame in Cougar Plaza after sidewalk stars were removed during construction. He said the project would be privately funded by service clubs and local donors and that the chamber has received preliminary design work from Design West and letters of support from community partners.

Chittons stressed the project would not use tax dollars: "We are not looking for tax dollars on this," he said, and described a proposed approach where private entities fund design and construction with a possible long-term maintenance agreement. City staff and councilors noted the site is public park property, that the arts commission and permitting process will be involved, and that an interparty agreement would be required to address structural permits and maintenance. The chamber indicated a private donor has offered to cover initial design costs and that additional donor approvals are contingent on showing collaborative support from the city and partner organizations. The Walk of Fame ceremony was announced for Aug. 20 at the Pullman Depot.